Morgan Rielly could be on the outs in Toronto especially if a new trade proposal involving Carolina's Alexander Nikishin comes to fruition.
There are a lot of questions about the Maple Leafs' blue line this year. Health notwithstanding, it's becoming a concern for Jim Hiller's team as they can't seem to stop hemorrhaging goals, and they have let Sergei Bobrovsky down early on this season, a key reason for his struggles.
They need to get younger, they need to get faster, better defensively, and actively prove that they deserve to be NHL defenders because right now it feels like the jury's out in that regard.
Rielly leaves the Maple Leafs to help the Hurricanes as Nikishin heads north
Toronto may have jus the opportunity to do it too, as it gives them a chance to acquire a player who could instantly transform the defense who has a massive chip on his shoulder and get rid of some much needed salary too:
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One Leaf fan on social media believes the team should see if the Hurricanes have any interest in adding Morgan Rielly to the mix, even in a third-pairing role, and also bring in disgruntled defenseman Alexander Nikishin to Toronto.
Rielly, 32, has only four points in nine games this season (no goals) while also having a minus-6, and one one power play point in 19:11 TOI - his lowest since his rookie season. His time in Toronto is likely coming to an end sooner than later, and if there's a chance to replace him now then John Chayka has to do it.
Nikishin, 25, has not appeared in any games this season for Carolina as he sits out waiting for a new contract but had a stellar rookie season with 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games - but only added one assist in 17 playoff games, winning a Cup.
Does Toronto even have a chance to acquire Nikishin?
Honestly, if the Maple Leafs play their cards right they absolutely can but they need too be careful that they dont run into the same issues that plagued them during the Kirill Marchenk-Matrhew Knies deal.
The tagging rules state that teams can't simply just add players to the mix, but need to offset salary for future years. It's why Toronto had to add Emil Andrae to the deal in order to make the money work.
They would need to do the same here and may need to trade a veteran piece making a fair bit of money like Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Dakota Joshua alongside Rielly. That certainly helps the money situation but it also decreases Toronto's depth.
It's also not as simple as the Hurricanes getting rid of Nikishin, as he clearly had a spot in the lineup and his desire for more money isn't exactly anyone's fault - he played well, needed a deal, and wants what he's worth. It's just a business issue that has started to stagnate.
But for now, if the Maple Leafs want to make a splash they have the means to do so, but it means getting rid of their longest tenured player as well as some other capital in order to get it done.
Would you trade Morgan Rielly for Alexander Nikishin?
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