Morgan Rielly's Future With Maple Leafs Suddenly Uncertain Following New Report
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Long-time defenseman Morgan Rielly's future with the Maple Leafs might not be as certain as we thought, if Maple Leafs analyst Nick Kypreos is to be believed.
Although the Maple Leafs ended up bringing back John Tavares on Friday, a move that gives the team a lot more breathing room this offseason, they still have a lot of work to do and there are still some other pressing matters they need to look into.
However one of the main issues facing the team this summer is the Morgan Rielly contract, and with Toronto looking to make a change in their DNA, he could potentially be on the outs.
Morgan Rielly not necessarily staying put in Toronto
He does have a no-movement clause, and he's clearly made it known he wants to stay with the only team he's ever known. That makes moving him difficult, although Maple Leafs analyst Nick Kypreos thinks it's still a possibility.
Speaking about Rielly's future, the former Maple Leaf explained that Rielly is on the block, and it's more a matter of convincing him that leaving is best for everyone:
His name is out there; I believe those discussions are being had; I don't anticipate anything imminent; it may take time to come to that conclusion that it's best for all parties.
It's not too surprising to see Rielly's name being tossed out there, as questions about his fit in the lineup, coupled with his regression, is worth the $7.5-million per year contract.
But if Toronto were to trade him, where could he end up and what is the Leafs game plan?
Toronto would like to replace Morgan Rielly with Aaron Ekblad
Finding a suitable partner is going to be the hardest, given he doesn't want to leave and loves Toronto. But there are teams like Los Angeles who could use a player like Rielly, who would be a younger replacement for Drew Doughty, and can mentor the young defenders on the roster.
Plus, he wouldn't be expected to be the main offensive presence either, with Brandt Clarke, Jordan Spence, and Michael Anderson all being able to give Rielly a break offensively and defensively.
It also takes him out of the spotlight in Toronto, where his defensive shortcomings wouldn't necessarily be monitored to such a degree and he'll have less pressure to perform at an elite level.
Finally, going to a place like LA is close to his hometown of Vancouver, and if the Canucks themselves can't bring him in, heading to California with a new family is a great alternative.
For his career, Rielly has 513 points in 873 games (87G, 426A) since being drafted fifth overall by the Maple Leafs in 2012.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 27 | 830 ANSWERS Morgan Rielly's Future With Maple Leafs Suddenly Uncertain Following New Report Do you think Toronto is going to trade Morgan Rielly this summer? | ||
| Yes | 569 | 68.6 % |
| No | 261 | 31.4 % |
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