Brad Treliving just signaled the end of Morgan Rielly in Toronto while standing next to him at the Worlds
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images; Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving may have hinted at a potential split between the Leafs and Morgan Rielly while he's playing at the World Championship under Treliving's management.
Brad Treliving has spoken on the future of Morgan Rielly, with the former Leafs GM indicating that Rielly could eventually be on the move for the chance at a change.
Named as Canada's GM for the Worlds following his dismissal as Toronto's General Manager, Treliving revealed on TSN's Overdrive that he spoke with Rielly amid speculation on his future, and indicated that Rielly moving on could end up the right choice.
We've had a chance to spend some time over here, him and I know how much he cares about the Leafs, the market, but I do think, I do think hockey there and who knows what the future holds, but sometimes a change is good for everybody, right? So I don't know what the future holds for him, but I still think there's a good NHL defenseman there. - Brad Treliving
Treliving told Overdrive that sometimes a change is good for everybody while working alongside Rielly in Switzerland
No longer with the Leafs organization, Treliving is still providing insight on his conversations with Rielly now that the season is over.
What makes Treliving's comments notable is that they come as Rielly has been linked to a potential exit, having been approached by Treliving previously about waiving his no-move clause to approve a move.
Treliving's comments indicate what could be an openness for Rielly to finally waive his NMC if it helps the Leafs, allowing them to move from Rielly after over a decade.
While Treliving says that Rielly can still be a top NHL defenseman, it may be best for both sides if change happens, implying the best outcome for all could be a mutual agreement for Rielly to move out.
Morgan Rielly tops the first offseason trade board and his full no movement clause is the only thing in the way
With Brad Treliving's comments, Morgan Rielly has moved up to the top of Frank Seravalli's trade big board for the 2026 offseason.
Seravalli indicated further on Sportsnet's 'The Fan' that Rielly could very well be dealt this season, affirming Treliving's view that Rielly could be open to change under new GM John Chayka.
Rielly still holds the cards with his no-move clause, and can force his next destination even if it's in his interest first and foremost, but now opens Toronto to potentially upgrade long-term on defense.
Having been the Leafs longest tenured player remaining, Morgan Rielly may finally be ready to accept change and move on for the sake of the team.
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