Rielly’s play has gradually fallen from grace over the last few seasons. He’s lost a step, and for a defenceman that relies so much on his skating for positioning, it’s becoming obvious on a nightly basis that he’s nowhere close to the d-man he once was. Rielly’s a bottom-pair blueliner, who happens to make $7.5 million AAV through the 2030 season. Brad Treliving can thank Kyle Dubas for that.
Back in 2021, Dubas gave Rielly an eight-year contract with full no-move protection until 2028, and frankly, Treliving can’t wait that long to insert Rielly into trade conversations. He’d lose his job by then. Instead, Treliving needs to follow up on his conversation from last season’s exit meeting, when he was blunt with his veteran defenceman and told Rielly he needed more from him this season. That hasn’t been the case at all. It’s been the polar opposite. It’s time to move on.
Another thing that’s really stood out this season is Rielly’s lack of physicality, or even his strength for that matter. He’s constantly losing puck battles along the wall, and often can’t clear the front of the net or box somebody out which leads to premium chances in tight for opposing teams. Rielly has a terrible time defending teams that love to cycle the puck in the o-zone, as he tends to end up puck-watching as a spectator instead. He also struggles with reading the play, which leads to weak-side threats getting into high-danger scoring areas, a case where if Rielly was one step faster, or quicker to read the play, he’d be there to support. Instead, he’s constantly been a step behind.
Rielly’s never been an overly physical defenceman – that wasn’t how he got into the league, but having 24 hits in 56 games while averaging 21:29 of ice-time is unacceptable. Punish an entry sometimes, lay an open-ice hit to spark your team, or just be more conscious of making opposing forwards know contact is coming along the wall. Again, nowhere to be found.
Rielly’s preferred destinations unknown at this point
While there was certainly a lot of buzz about Rielly’s exit meeting last season, at no point has there been any reports about Rielly’s preferred destinations if a deal was presented. Treliving should sell low and just take whatever he can get back at this point, even if it means he has to retain $1 million per year through 2029-30.
The Vancouver Canucks are rebuilding. Would Rielly be a veteran defenceman they’d have interest in to mentor Zeev Buium? It feels like Vancouver certainly makes the list of approved destinations.
The Carolina Hurricanes could be an interesting trade partner here. They’re in the market for help on their blueline, they have over $34 million in cap space, and perhaps Rielly could connect with ex-teammate Frederik Andersen on what life in Carolina looks like at, and away from the rink. Nice weather, quiet media presence, and a playoff-bound team with a solid core. Hard to say if GM Eric Tulsky would have any interest though.
Honourable mention here goes to the San Jose Sharks. Certainly keep an eye on them if the Maple Leafs approach Rielly. The Sharks only have two defencemen signed for next season, they’re pushing for a playoff spot this year, but realize next season is much more realistic, and Rielly could provide a veteran presence on their back end for two years and change.
Frankly, this Maple Leafs roster is a mess. They need a major shakeup in the very near future, as Nylander and Matthews likely don’t want to stick around through a rebuild, and John Tavares isn’t going to be the ageless wonder forever. There’s some really good pieces in place with this core, but Rielly isn’t a part of it anymore.
Treliving needs to move on, Rielly needs to accept his fate, and it’s time for a new chapter for both sides.
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