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Morgan Rielly rumoured to be the next Leaf traded before the Core Four
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The defenseman Morgan Rielly is rumoured to be the next Toronto Maple Leafs player to be traded, before any members of the Core Four.
General Manager Brad Treliving didn't hide his intentions to bring a wind of change on the Leafs organization this offseason. It looks evident that at least one member of the Core Four has played his last game with Toronto, and we're not talking about Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
It is widely expected that either Mitch Marner or John Tavares could leave the team before the start of the next season.
However, these deals could take a lot of time to materialize.
Another player of the Leafs' roster could be traded before Treliving deals with the Core Four: Morgan Rielly.
The 30-year-old defenseman could be seeking a new start at this point of his career.
On Daily Faceoff, Matt Larkin explained why it'll be easier for the Leafs to trade him, despite his no-movement clause. He talked about his salary and how he's not as attached to Toronto as Marner or Tavares are.
Here's what he wrote:
"Rielly, the longest tenured Leaf, has a deep emotional attachment to the team and its core. He hasn't been a scapegoat, and he was pretty darn good during the 2022-23 playoffs, but he simply isn't an all-situations horse who can shut down the other team's best players.
That said, while he isn't an alpha No. 1 blueliner, he also isn't paid as one. At $7.5 million, he's merely the 23rd– richest defenseman in the league. He has a full no-movement clause and is under contract six more seasons.
Unlike Marner and Tavares, Rielly didn't grow up in this market. He's a Western Canadian. Is there a chance he'd be willing to waive in the event of a trade simply for a fresh start for the second half of his career?"
That said, while he isn't an alpha No. 1 blueliner, he also isn't paid as one. At $7.5 million, he's merely the 23rd– richest defenseman in the league. He has a full no-movement clause and is under contract six more seasons.
Unlike Marner and Tavares, Rielly didn't grow up in this market. He's a Western Canadian. Is there a chance he'd be willing to waive in the event of a trade simply for a fresh start for the second half of his career?"
With Rielly's contract being more easily dealable than Marner or Tavares', he could be the first one to be dealt with as Treliving considers his options to take the team to the next level.
Source: Hockey Feed - Blockbuster Rielly trade hinted at in Toronto!
| POLL | ||
MAI 15 | 1123 ANSWERS Morgan Rielly rumoured to be the next Leaf traded before the Core Four Do you think Morgan Rielly will be traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer? | ||
| Yes | 580 | 51.6 % |
| No | 543 | 48.4 % |
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