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A Familiar Face could be Working With the Toronto Maple Leafs


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Marshall Stinson
February 16, 2026  (8:04 PM)
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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Benjamin Kindel (81) scores his second goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Kyle Dubas could be using his knowledge of the Toronto Maple Leafs to his advantage, where trade talks have come up between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Leafs in regards to defensemen Morgan Rielly.

Dubas knows what the Leafs need, and what it would take to bring Rielly in for a potential playoff run

Kyle Dubas targets Morgan Rielly in latest rumour.

Eklund of Hockey Buzzreported on the possibility of Rielly becoming a Penguin. The return would most likely feature prospect Benjamin Kindel. Kindel is an up and coming centerman, in which the Leafs lack right now, and could grow into a very solid player.
" Benjamin Kindel is the type of prospect who may not be a headline name yet… but people who have tracked his progress see a player with real upside. He’s shown strong offensive instincts, plays with pace, and has the kind of natural confidence with the puck that can translate well at higher levels. There’s a creativity to his game that stands out, and he doesn’t shy away from trying to make something happen."-Eklund

For Rielly on the other hand, he could flourish with the little time he has left in the NHL, with the Penguins, who are trying to maximize their aging core, and hoping to get Sidney Crosby one more ring. Dubas knows Rielly well, and has relied on him for years, so this deal makes a lot of sense.
"Dubas has always trusted Rielly… leaned on him heavily during his time in Toronto… and knows exactly what he brings in terms of leadership, mobility, and offensive instincts. If the Penguins believe they still have a window with Crosby, Malkin, and Letang, adding a defenseman they know can handle pressure could be appealing."-Eklund

The Leafs have an opportunity to get younger, and acquire a good center prospect in Kindel. It might require them to retain some of Rielly's salary, but it would be worth it in the long run if Kindel becomes a top six forward.
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A Familiar Face could be Working With the Toronto Maple Leafs

Does trading Morgan Rielly for Benjamin Kindel make sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Yes27564 %
No15536 %
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