Craig Berube Confirms Who Will Run the Maple Leafs' Top Power Play Unit

A big concern last season for the Toronto Maple Leafs was their inconsistency on the power play, at least when it came to their production on the back end. While their forwards were great, Morgan Rielly struggled as the QB which led to questions about if they needed a new face back there.

However Rielly is coming into camp a completely different player and is earning rave reviews from both coaches and teammates. He's the team's best offensive defender and has the potential to hit 60+ points again in his career.

Which is why it isn't too shocking to see that Craig Berube is entrusting him yet again with running the PP unit in 2025-26, and with a motivated Rielly; it could pay off in a big way.

While there is always a chance that Berube changes his mind, it's hard to wonder who else would take Rielly's spot and be able to be that offensive force on defense.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson certainly used to be able to fill that role but with his age and placement as more of a third-pairing contributor, it would be hard to force him int oa high pressure role out of nowhere.

The confidence that Berube has is Rielly though is apparent, and while fans might not be the happiest at seeing Morgan running things again, he's still an incredible talent who will have much more help this season than in previous ones.

With Brandon Carlo in tow, he can help cover for more of Rielly's defensive mishaps and he isn't too shabby at throwing the puck on net either.

He deserves a real shot at being able to lead the man advantage, and if the team decides to go a more traditional route on their power play, it could pay dividends. With Mitch Marner gone, it's imperative that Rielly steps up in his absence and becomes that playmaker and gets shots on net and find that open man.

Rielly, 31, has 173 career points on the power play (15 goals, 158 assists) which accounts for 33.72% of his total for his career (426 points) so it's clear that he's able to facilitate, and with the right pieces can truly step up.

So while some fans may be questioning the decision to make Morgan Rielly the main man on the man advantage, there is a lot of hope that last season isn't indicative of what he can bring to the table.