Star defenseman Morgan Rielly and the Toronto Maple Leafs might have run their course. It could be only a matter of time before general manager Brad Treliving sits down to have an uncomfortable talk with the franchise’s longest-tenured blueliner.
Morgan Rielly Trade Rumors Gain Traction Amid Disastrous Maple Leafs Season
The 2025-26 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs could not have unfolded in a worse manner. After entering the year with high expectations, the team has lost nine of its past 11 games and currently sits at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings.
The Leafs have struggled to a 29-29-13 record, totaling 71 points in 71 games. Injuries have severely compromised the roster; captain Auston Matthews, for instance, underwent surgery to repair a Grade 3 MCL tear in March. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, underscoring the challenges facing Toronto.
Amid the turmoil, when veteran players are expected to lead, Rielly has missed the mark. The 32-year-old blueliner is in the fourth year of an eight-year, $60 million contract and has 33 points in 67 games. With just one point in March, his scoring droughts have occasionally lasted too long to ignore. Given his $7.5 million cap hit, the defenseman is under pressure to produce more for a struggling defensive unit.
Speculation surrounding Rielly’s future has circulated for some time, but it has gained significant momentum lately. Insider David Pagnotta revealed that the Toronto front office is expected to be busy this summer. It is very likely that, among the many moves Treliving makes, one could involve Rielly. Pagnotta also highlighted that Rielly was considered in several discussions leading up to the trade deadline.
“The week of the trade deadline his name popped up a few times; Toronto’s gonna explore a variety of different options this summer and I think it includes the possibility of trading Rielly,” Pagnotta shared on the “Leafs Morning Take.”
Why the Maple Leafs Might Move on From Morgan Rielly
The fact that Rielly is being considered as a potential trade asset is a telltale sign of the current state of the Maple Leafs. Once a franchise cornerstone and a locker room pillar, Rielly was long considered a player who would never wear another jersey. However, given the team’s regression, management must make difficult roster decisions.
Moreover, while Rielly’s numbers have dipped lately, he still possesses enough value to fetch a reasonable return. If Treliving wants to initiate a meaningful reset, he may need to act with a sense of urgency before the veteran’s trade value declines further. However, Rielly must be on board with any potential deal, as his contract includes a full no-movement clause.
