Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
There’s been some talk recently about the potential of Morgan Rielly traded from the Maple Leafs. As the longest tenured member of the team, he’s seen it all, and is a huge part of the team’s identity.
But it’s that identity the team wants the change, and with Brad Treliving making a lot of changes with the roster so far, with more to come, things are going to look a lot different in 2025-26.
Rielly’s trade value shoots up thanks to Sabres deal
However, Rielly’s trade potential might have skyrocketed thanks to the signing of Bowen Byram. The Buffalo Sabres were able to lock up the defender to a two-year deal, giving him a chance to build up his stock before the 2027 free agency class.
A left-handed, puck-moving veteran defenseman on a fairly reasonable contract all things considered (and a rising cap) is appealing to a lot of teams, and with Toronto wanting to change things up, is it feasible to see him traded?
Well, a lot of it depends on Rielly himself, given that he has a full no-movement clause. If he feels comfortable enough to move elsewhere, then there’s a chance Toronto can get a deal done.
But where he heads to is a big question mark. Teams not only need to appeal to Rielly from a competitive and life standpoint, but they have to be able to take on his $7.5-million salary as well.
Rielly’s seen it all with the blue and white; but change might be good
Plus, he did regress a bit last season and looked a step behind at times, so teams might be weary about going all-in on bringing him aboard.
Rielly, 31, had 41 points in 82 games, (7 goals, 34 assists), a minus-8 rating, 131 blocks but only 21 hits; his physicality took a huge hit which is odd given Craig Berube coaches him.
Rielly out? But who comes in?
But as we’ve seen with several players in the past end up leaving their long-term teams, and Rielly could potentially entertain a move closer to home (he’s a BC native).
One name who could be potentially swapped in for Rielly is Erik Karlsson, as the future Hall of Famer would offer an instant improvement over him offensively, be a shorter commitment (albeit more expensive), and might be an easier target than someone like Dougie Hamilton.
But if Rielly does indeed go, it could start a domino effect that sets a precedent for how the trade market is going to unfold this summer.
Morgan Rielly was once looked at as a middle of the road option, but given the sudden lack of premium left-handed defensemen: He’s suddenly in the spotlight.
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Morgan Rielly’s Trade Stock May Rise Following Key Signing
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