NHL trade chatter around the Toronto Maple Leafs has grown louder this week. They have lost eight out of their last ten games, and this has upset their fans, putting pressure on management. A Sportsnet 590 The FAN segment raised the idea of a major move involving defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Hosts JD Bunkis and Sam McKee discussed whether Rielly might benefit from a change of scenery as Toronto’s struggles continue.
“I’m so sick of watching Morgan Rielly take pucks out of his own net,” McKee said.
McKee feels the situation has become repetitive. He added that Rielly has been in Toronto for a long time and may be worn down by the pressure of the market. McKee suggested the Leafs and Rielly could both reach a point where a fresh start makes sense.
“It’s like he had been here for so long at some point in a market like this, where so many people watch, and so many people are familiar with your game, and so many people are sick of it,” McKee said.
“And he has to be sick of it too. He’s such a prideful guy. There’s no one that speaks with more pride and has more passion and talks about this stuff. He’s got to be sick of it too.”
McKee believes Rielly might be open to leaving if the organization approached him about a move.
“Like there’s no way that if they talk to him about leaving, he wouldn’t leave.” McKee said.
McKee even floated destinations such as San Jose or Anaheim, pointing out that quieter markets and warmer climates could appeal to him. He said a new environment could help Rielly reset away from constant scrutiny.
“So San Jose would probably rock,” McKee said. “You know, it’s like, oh, I got a wife and fans – It’s like, Yeah, I’m sure they’d like San Jose too. Anaheim probably would be pretty fun. Or, like, somewhere, just like, where it’s warm, and the kind of out of the spotlight a little bit probably wouldn’t kill them.”
The discussion added to the growing fan debate about whether Toronto should entertain a blockbuster deal.
Morgan Rielly’s future uncertainty is linked to Maple Leafs’ slow start
The Toronto Maple Leafs sit at 10-11-3 and have been inconsistent through their first 24 games. Their offense is doing well, but they allow 3.63 goals per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league. Their power play sits at only 15 percent despite a talented forward group.
Defensive breakdowns and turnovers continue to hurt them in key moments. To climb the standings, the Leafs need more stability in their own zone and more reliable play at five-on-five.
Rielly has remained productive with 18 points in 23 games while playing heavy minutes. He continues to lead the transition game and create offense, but his minus-six rating shows the team’s defensive issues. Even with these problems, Rielly remains Toronto’s most trusted defenseman in important situations.
Edited by Ankit Kumar
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