Questions about Toronto’s direction have resurfaced as its season takes another downward turn after two back-to-back losses following the Olympic break. The focus is no longer only on short-term fixes; attention is now on players with long-term contracts.
One name that has come up is a veteran defenseman who has been part of the core for years. So, let’s take a look at what insiders are now hearing about his future.
Darren Dreger Breaks Down Morgan Rielly Trade Talk
Darren Dreger shared a clear update on the situation involving Morgan Rielly and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Speaking on “First Up on TSN 1050”, Dreger explained that the organization has already discussed what to do with the veteran defenseman.
Dreger said, “Well, what I was told, you know, secondhand, but I believe that there was an ample discussion, you know, from top to bottom.” Those talks included management and the coaching staff as they looked at possible changes.
Rielly is in the middle of a long-term commitment with the team, as he signed an eight-year, $60,000,000 deal that runs through the 2029-30 season. The contract carries a $7,500,000 cap hit each year and includes full trade protection.
That clause gives him full control over any potential move this season and the next two seasons, making the situation more complex for the front office.
In the previous offseason, Dreger explained that the team was unsure if it was the right time to approach Rielly about his no-movement clause. He said, “So at the time it would have been Shanahan and Brad Treliving, obviously Craig Berube would have been involved in these conversations about, okay, well, is this the offseason where we go to Morgan and we ask him to waive his trade protection? And, you know, I think they were undecided.”
That hesitation shows how complex the decision is, especially given Rielly’s long-term deal and role with the team. Additionally, he was drafted fifth overall in 2012 by the Leafs, making him one of the longest-serving players in this group.
The insider also spoke about what happened after last season ended, which influenced how management looked at the situation. After Rielly’s emotional exit interviews, Dreger said, “That changed the position of management, maybe even the coach, Berube, where they felt like, okay, this guy’s a leader. You know, we need to give him more time.”
Despite that belief, the results have not improved as expected. Dreger said, “By all accounts, he had a real strong offseason, and it just, it hasn’t manifested.” He also pointed out that the player’s game has dropped since the middle of the season.
At the same time, he made it clear that the struggles are not about any one player. He said, “So no one was good last night,” while discussing the Leafs’ 5-1 loss to the Panthers.
Dreger then explained how any trade process would actually work if the team decides to move forward. He said, “Like Brad Treliving isn’t going to J.P. Berry, who represents Morgan Rielly, and say, hey, we’d like you to consider waiving your no-move. That’s not how it works.”
He added, “He has umpteen conversations with other general managers. He finds a team where he believes there’s a fit. There’s a trade that he wants to work on and close. And then he goes to the agent, the agent goes to the players.”
This shows that the team must first find a deal before speaking to Rielly’s camp about it.
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There are also personal factors involved in any decision. Dreger noted that Rielly has a young family, which matters in a situation like this. He said the team needs to reach a point where the player is ready, adding that they have to get to a place where he says, “Okay, it’s time, and I need a fresh start.”
Until that happens, the situation remains open, with no clear decision yet.
