Maple Leafs Practice Begins Without Morgan Rielly on the Ice
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Morgan Rielly is currently not skating with the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the reason being unknown.
Morgan Rielly was not involved during the Toronto Maple Leafs practice ahead of tomorrow's game against the Buffalo Sabres. Toronto is playing their first game of two in Buffalo before returning home to Toronto Saturday.
Update - October 23rd, 2025 (1:15 PM ET):
Head Coach Craig Berube says that Rielly is dealing with an undisclosed issue, and his status for tomorrow is still unknown, according to David Alter of The Hockey News.
According to Nick Barden of 'The Hockey News', Rielly was skating prior to the Leafs practice, signaling that his absence may be injury related, or could be him dealing with an unknown situation that may impact his availability to play tomorrow's match.
The Leafs have already been dealt one major loss today on the defensive end as
Chris Tanev was
placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, and will miss at least a week after leaving the Leafs most recent game against New Jersey.
There is currently no update on the status of Rielly at this time, and the cause of his absence, but it's one that will be a second blow to the Leafs blueline after the announcement that Tanev will be put on IR.
Why Morgan Rielly's Absence Is Drawing Attention at Practice
Morgan Rielly's absence is unclear, as there's no known injury concern for the Leafs defenseman, and with him skating earlier making him not on the ice for practice that much more confusing. If any update comes, it could as well change by tomorrow ahead of the game in Buffalo.
Rielly has not been in any past speculation over dealing with an issue, leaving the Leafs to have to provide additional information on what Rielly isn't practicing, and if the move is precautionary or not.
It's a similar tactic that the Leafs used when
William Nylander was undergoing maintenance
a few days ago, having him away from practice and his spot in the lineup temporarily filled, ultimately playing that game with no issue but just for a temporary reset.
With Tanev out for the Leafs, Toronto is looking to avoid a second major subtraction to the Leafs blueline, and the team's key offensive catalyst in Rielly out next to one of their top defensive defenders in Tanev.
But until the Leafs are able to say what is going on with Rielly, something that will likely happen after practice when head coach Craig Berube goes to speak with the media, all that can be done is wait, and see if Rielly is available to play tonight.
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