An emotional Morgan Rielly admits he may have played his final home game for the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Morgan Rielly knows he may very well be playing his last game in Toronto, and ahead of the game you can tell he's conflicted given how badly he wants to stay.
As he reaches the penultimate game of the season, Morgan Rielly is set to play what could be his final game in Toronto. The subject of heavy trade rumours amidst a complete teardown of the blueline, it's been a long road for Rielly to say the least.
Being here for 13 years is no easy feat, especially with how the Maple Leafs decide to ship players off all willy nilly. But while he's been an absolute team player and someone who has received his fair share of criticism but always with a smile — it's going to be tough.
The emotional weight of Morgan Rielly facing a potential exit from the only NHL city he knows
Rielly's emotions may have gotten the better of him ahead of Toronto's Monday night tilt against Dallas, as he revealed that his time could be nearing an end with the only team he's ever known:
It’s crossed my mind before, all athletes you know have that at some point - they think about that, and tonight’s no different than that.
That's a genuinely heart-tugging comment from Rielly who really is one of the more reserved, quiet and beloved Maple Leafs within the locker room. Sure he gets his fair share of critique from media, but you can't deny that he's faced everything with class and grace.
If this indeed the end of the line for Rielly, he will go down as one of the top scoring defenders in Maple Leafs history and despite not winning a Cup; did put up a solid career all things considered.
He ranks 14th all time in points, 2nd for defenceman behind Borje Salming, and sits 6th all-time in assists. He'll also rank 7th in games played with 951 (if he plays the final two) and has the 5th highest point total ever in a season for Toronto with his 72 points in 2018-19.
It's extremely tough to move on from the only group and city you've ever known, and for any player in any sport — 13 years is basically a lifetime. But for Rielly, it means it's time to find greener pastures elsewhere.
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Leave it to Rielly to give a graceful and polite sendoff, and had nothing bad to say about the team, organization or the fans who he gave every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears for:
It's an outstanding place to play and a great place to live. This organization means a lot to a lot of people and so to be a part of it, it's an honour and I don't believe that that's lost on anyone in here.
Just by that comment alone, you can tell what a seismic shift it will be in the locker room and organization when Rielly is eventually sent elsewhere.
The time for loyalty is over and for the Maple Leafs it's now about results-driven and analytical success. Rielly has been a great team player but that doesn't translate to any tangible awards or success.
With worsening defence and a regressing offensive game, there's no reason to keep a 31-year old Rielly (who is making $7.5-million a year, mind you) and he would be best suited as a second or third pairing option elsewhere.
But it goes to show everyone in that locker room and the front office that there is no more ability to coast by on your name alone. This is a business first and foremost and feelings don't pay the bills or win you titles — it's time for a philosophy change.
Which is why it's going to be a bittersweet moment when Rielly is finally dealt away, but it's for the better because Rielly's window in Toronto has closed.
And new ones are about to be opened.
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