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Morgan Rielly's Trade Value Takes a Major Leap Following Blockbuster Signing
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has been caught up in the rumor mill, and it would appear as though Bowen Byram's situation is starting to affect him.
Morgan Rielly is someone who has had to deal with trade rumors all season long, and it feels as though those rumors won't be going away anytime soon.
Overall, the defenseman had a down year, and while there is always a chance at a rebound, some fans feel like his $7.5 million contract is simply too rich for what he contributes.
Having said that, Rielly also has a full no-move clause, which means he doesn't have to accept a trade if he doesn't want to. Obviously, this makes things difficult for the Leafs.
Are the Toronto Maple Leafs trading Morgan Rielly?
However, yesterday, Bowen Byram signed a two-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres. Now, an offensive left-handed defenseman is off the trade market.
This then makes Rielly that much more valuable. That said, the latest report from Nick Kypreos proves that Rielly still isn't interested in being traded.
On the FAN Pregame, Nick Kypreos says he believes there's been conversations between the Leafs and Morgan Rielly's camp, asking if he would be willing to waive his NMC. But the feedback to that is not at this time, and Rielly is going to start the season with the Leafs (unless something changes dramatically)
Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in a position where they have to make some big moves throughout the summer.
If Rielly doesn't want to be traded, then the Leafs must simply explore other avenues and leave their defenseman alone before he gets agitated.
As for Bowen Byram, it would not be surprising if he leaves the Sabres in two years from now when his bridge deal comes to an end.
Once that happens, the Maple Leafs should be one of the first teams lining up to acquire the player.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 16 | 350 ANSWERS Morgan Rielly's Trade Value Takes a Major Leap Following Blockbuster Signing Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs need to trade Morgan Rielly? | ||
| YES | 267 | 76.3 % |
| NO | 83 | 23.7 % |
| List of polls | ||