Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly seems to be a name bandied about in trade rumors as the team looks to make some potentially bold decisions.
One of those players that has been named as a potential trade candidate is Morgan Rielly. The longest-tenured player on the Maple Leafs, he’s seen the best and worst the team has to offer and while he gets his fair share of criticism; he shows up every night and works his tail off.
Is it always successful? No, but right now not much is successful in Toronto. But if the team really wants to move on from him it’s going to take a lot of work.
Morgan Rielly a real trade candidate if Toronto decides to clean house
They already spoke to him last season after their second-round exit, and while there’s nothing that has indicated they are going to deal him now; one analyst believes they certainly could.
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.
Not only is it going to be a little hard for Toronto to get him dealt given they need his permission to do so, plus you’re asking for a team to take on a $7-million deal for the next five years.
Rielly, 31, has 24 points in 35 games this season (5 goals, 19 assists) but is a minus-eight with only four points on the power play. He hasn’t been that quarterback the team’s needed the last two years.
For his career, Rielly has 537 points in 908 games (92 goals, 445 assists), 1,255 blocks, 803 hits, but holds a minus-31 rating; he’s spent his entire career with Toronto since being drafted fifth overall in 2012.
Why Toronto should trade Morgan Rielly
Even if the Maple Leafs don’t completely blow things up, Rielly should still be considered in a trade because he could bring back some much more suitable pieces.
Look, Toronto doesn’t have a puck-moving defenseman, but they also don’t have a proper two-way defender. Rielly’s defensive mishaps cost the team, and he hasn’t been so outstanding offensively to make up for it.
He could be part of a package for Dougie Hamilton, as they both have similar contracts and ages. You aren’t getting younger but you are getting a true two-way defenseman who happens to also be 6’6 and 230 pounds. He will give Toronto a threat on the point, and he’s more than good enough of a playmaker to run the PP.
Rielly’s time in Toronto can’t be understated. He’s been such a solid asset who never complains, plays nearly every game, and has clearly been able to carve out a very good NHL career.
But much like a shoe you’ve outgrown, it’s time to make a switch. Toronto needs a new look, and Rielly has to be part of it. Just not as part of the Maple Leafs this time around.
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Morgan Rielly’s name lingers as the Maple Leafs weigh bold trade options
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