Morgan Rielly is meeting with the Maple Leafs about waiving his NMC and the destination is clear
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs want Morgan Rielly to waive his no-move clause, but doing so won't be easy for new GM John Chayka.
On TSN 1050's 'First Up', insider Darren Dreger spoke about the potential of Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly leaving this offseason.
Rielly, 32, had 11 goals and 36 points this season, over the last two seasons seeing his status as Toronto's leading defenseman steadily decrease, bringing into question his effectiveness as a long-term option for Toronto.
Dreger revealed that under previous GM Brad Treliving that Rielly was asked about waiving his no-move clause to remain in Toronto, choosing to remain a Leaf instead.
Morgan Rielly basically asked after last season, not this past season before, I think that with Shanahan, and Treliving, and Berube, they they collectively felt like the time was up, and I think that they went into that exit meeting with Morgan Rielly more than a year ago, thinking, okay, let's hear what he has to say, but it feels like it's time to to move him out and give him a fresh start and and see what we can get with this guy.
I think Morgan gave a very emotional and compelling argument as to the areas that he could be better in, that he would be, and he just he wanted at least one more year, and it didn't go the way that Morgan had hoped it would. He knows that, so I feel like something would have to change for them not to approach Morgan, who's got trade protection, to say that, you know, we we'd like to explore opportunities. - Darren Dreger
I think Morgan gave a very emotional and compelling argument as to the areas that he could be better in, that he would be, and he just he wanted at least one more year, and it didn't go the way that Morgan had hoped it would. He knows that, so I feel like something would have to change for them not to approach Morgan, who's got trade protection, to say that, you know, we we'd like to explore opportunities. - Darren Dreger
Morgan Rielly was born in Vancouver and owns a house there which makes the Canucks the only realistic destination on his approved list
Darren Dreger added another point that could decide what makes Morgan Rielly stay in Toronto, or ultimately leave, with that being family.
We're talking about a young family man here. He's a father, so there's more to it than just packing a bag and moving to the team that you're willing to accept the trade to. It gets more complicated, so there's there's a process.
The one team that makes the most sense for Rielly waiving his no-move clause for is the Vancouver Canucks, with the Vancouver-born Rielly owning a house there.
It would allow for Rielly to remain in Canada with his family while being in a familiar place, and having a large responsibility as a top-four veteran on a young, emerging blueline.
There had been speculation last week about the potential of a Morgan Rielly swap to Vancouver in exchange for Elias Pettersson.
The Vancouver Canucks just promoted the Sedins and Pettersson being available exposes how fast this trade could move once Chayka decides
Darren Dreger added that the recent trade rumors surrounding captain Auston Matthews could push him out the door, and move Rielly along depending on what happens with Matthews.
Rielly could be on his way out even without Matthews if he's the goal to rebuild this Leafs squad, looking to recoup what assets they can for Rielly, with Canucks forward Elias Pettersson being one name recently linked.
The Pettersson deal has been a point of discussion for the potential of Pettersson, a former 100+ point scorer, as a reclamation project, but for Rielly, Vancouver looks unlikely to be a cup contender in the short term, making it uncertain if it's Rielly destination to chase a title.
Morgan Rielly's future in Toronto may be done, and Vancouver provides the perfect opportunity for Morgan Rielly to play out his NHL career somewhere he can call home. The only thing left is the signature on the paperwork.
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