A data centric new-age hockey mind, or a savvy veteran executive who’s well respected in the game? Regardless of who the Toronto Maple Leafs hire as their next general manager, moving on from defenceman Morgan Rielly needs to be high on the priority list.
Maple Leafs CEO Keith Pelley spoke a lot of words but didn’t say very much at his recent press conference once Brad Treliving was fired, but one thing Pelley was very clear on was the fact the Leafs won’t be tanking or rebuilding anytime soon. Pelley feels there’s foundational pieces already in Toronto to build around, which is a spot on statement. However, Rielly, the longest tenured Maple Leaf, desperately needs a change of scenery.
Treliving and Rielly spoke at their exit interview after the 2024-25 season and Treliving made it clear he needed more out of the veteran blueliner, and this season, even with Treliving long gone, Rielly hasn’t delivered in the least. 35 points in 72 games isn’t the worst offensive season of Rielly’s career, but what’s been more evident throughout this entire year is how the veteran Maple Leaf has lost a step. This comes down to two things – foot speed, and decision making, and throughout the 2025-26 campaign, seeing Rielly struggle in both departments has been a very tough watch.
Rielly’s game has gradually declined throughout the season. From the simple things like hitting tape on an outlet pass, or to pivoting the wrong way circling back in defensive-zone coverage. There’s also been some major moments beyond his on-ice play, like when he did nothing after Auston Matthews had his knee blown up by Radko Gudas. Or, something we see much more frequently – blown d-zone coverage, or losing his man around the net, resulting in an opposing player finding the twine. Rielly is not a top-line defenceman anymore, and the Maple Leafs need to move on, and reshape their blueline for next season.
Toronto’s roster needs a legitimate facelift and that’s on the incoming GM. Rielly’s going to be a tough move because of his no-movement clause, and his $7.5 million cap hit through the 2030 season. However, there’s two lottery teams out in western Canada who have loads of cap space, and will need a veteran presence on their blueline, so Leafs Nation should be hopeful that the
Calgary Flames and
Vancouver Canucks have interest in acquiring Rielly this offseason. They seem like the most likely approved trade destinations, and two teams who would have some level of interest depending on what’s been asked in return. Frankly, the new Leafs GM shouldn’t be concerned about what’s coming back the other way, and should just try to rid themselves of one of the worst contracts in hockey.
With Chris Tanev coming back next season, he improves the Leafs’ defence core immensely. Remember that technically he has four years left on his contract, so depending on his health, we’ll see how many years this plays out, but for now, Tanev’s a piece. Oliver Ekman-Larsson turned back the clock in a major way this season and should be back. Jake McCabe isn’t going anywhere, and it’s unlikely Brandon Carlo is moved.
If the Leafs can move off Rielly, and add a two-way impact defenseman, who can run a power play, they’ll vastly improve next season. Moving Rielly’s $7.5 million cap hit will also give the team a chance to afford a first-line right-winger to play with Matthews and Matthew Knies. Rielly’s cap hit handcuffs the Maple Leafs in a major way, and that’s certainly part of the reason he needs to go, but don’t blame him for how much money he makes, we can put that on Kyle Dubas for offering it to him.
A Maple Leafs re-tool is coming and the top offseason priority for their new GM will be having a crucial conversation with Rielly to confirm where exactly he’s open to being traded to. Facilitate the deal, retain a little bit of his contract if that’s needed, and move on. Enough is enough, the longest-tenured Maple Leaf needs to go, and Toronto’s blueline, much like its executive office, needs a new direction heading into next season.
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