Morgan Rielly has not been as dominant as he needs to be for Team Canada during the World Championships, and he's basically auditioning to be traded by Toronto.
Morgan Rielly has failed to be the defenceman that the Maple Leafs need and his performance at the World Championships hasn't exactly been as dominant as it has to be. Right now he's auditioning to other teams as a potential trade target, and John Chayka's decision is getting easier by the day.
Rielly, 31, has three points and a plus-4 so far for Team Canada which is genuinely impressive given that he was a rough minus-18 this season.
Rielly posted a minus-18 and his worst defensive numbers which makes getting rid of him even harder for Toronto
Combined with last season he has a total plus/minus of minus-26 compared to the four seasons prior where he was plus-25. A 51-point negative differential is horrible for someone expected to be the priority defender, and he can't be part of things going forward.
Rielly was also recently named as the top target for Frank Seravalli on his trade board, however that's going to be a lot easier said than done given his $7.5-million contract for the next four seasons; couple that with severe regression and it's a recipe for disaster.
He also had his worst possession numbers since 2016-17, ranked in the <50th percentile in shot speed, spent 39.5% of his ice time in his own zone because he couldn't find a way out, and while he ranks in the 89th percentile for miles skated - that's more him being caught out of position and needing to hustle back.
This is all leading to the fact that Rielly can't really hang with the top players anymore, and his fall from grace means that he should be looked at as one of the first to be dealt away.
Every game in Switzerland Morgan Rielly plays well is one step closer to finding a trade for him
While there are still a few games left for Rielly to play, there is a chance that with a strong performance he can feel the confidence going into the season. But that shouldn't matter because him being good here means that it should make it easier to trade him.
There is still some help to be had with Rielly in the lineup but needs protection for his defensive shortcomings. He isn't a #1 anymore and would be more suitable in a supporting role as a #3 where he can run 2nd PP unit time as well and have much less responsibility against top names.
Rielly's destination is definitely unknown but there is a strong chance that he is sent out west somewhere like Vancouver or Calgary, though with him holding a full no-movement clause it's really going to be up to him where he goes (if he wants to at all).
But knowing the team needs a fresh start as much as he does, there could be some teamwork between Rielly and Toronto to find a spot that works for him and a package suitable for his return.
Wherever he ends up, Morgan Rielly will end his career with over a decade as a key part of the Maple Leafs lineup and while he didn't win here, perhaps less responsibility and a renewed sense of purpose will get him that Stanley Cup that's eluded him for years.
Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs have to trade Morgan Rielly?
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