Insider suggests the Maple Leafs are considering a major decision involving Morgan Rielly
Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has been having his fair share of struggles recently, and it has forced the team to consider the future.
Morgan Rielly's 2024-25 campaign was one that was mostly trashed by Toronto Maple Leafs fans. He became the team's whipping boy, and there were some begging for a trade.
During the offseason, the Leafs talked to Rielly about waiving his no-trade clause, but to no avail. Instead, the Leafs kept the defenseman around, and this season, he is having an offensive resurgence.
With 24 points in 35 games, Rielly is putting up respectable numbers on offense; however, his -8 rating is further proof that he just can't cut it defensively these days.
The Maple Leafs are looking to make a big move, and with his struggles on full display, Rielly appears to have a huge target on his back.
Morgan Rielly could be on the Leafs' chopping block
According to David Pagnotta, the Leafs are in a headspace where they want to do something bold, as long as it benefits them in the long run.
As it turns out, trading Rielly is one of those moves that could satiate both the front office and the fanbase. Once again, they would need to convince him to waive his no-move.
He has a full no movement clause and they had a brief discussion about it at the end of last season, to see where his headspace was; if they go bold, I wouldn't be shocked if that's the direction [Toronto] go in
Trading Rielly would be an interesting proposition, although it is difficult to imagine what the Leafs would be able to get for him at this point.
The defenseman makes $7.5 million per season, and he is far from the guy they had a few seasons ago. At this point, his value could not be any lower.
Needless to say, general manager Brad Treliving is not in an enviable position right now. Some big choices will need to be made very soon.
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| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 24 | 556 ANSWERS Insider suggests the Maple Leafs are considering a major decision involving Morgan Rielly Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs should trade Morgan Rielly? | ||
| YES | 419 | 75.4 % |
| NO | 137 | 24.6 % |
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