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The Toronto Maple Leafs appear likely to keep Morgan Rielly for the start of the 2026–27 NHL season, with trade options fading this summer. New general manager John Chayka has reshaped the roster, but moving Rielly has become difficult because of his contract and limited trade market.
Rielly carries a $7.5 million cap hit and has a full no-movement clause through July 2027. He also submitted a four-team trade list, limiting Toronto’s options further.
MORE: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews helps Jack Roslovic settle into Toronto
Speaking on First Up, former NHL defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo explained why Toronto may prefer keeping him.
“The Leafs were not just looking to give him away. They needed something in return,” Colaiacovo said.
He believes Toronto could get more value by changing Rielly’s role rather than forcing a weak trade.
“If they can properly slot Morgan Rielly in the second or third pair, you’re probably gonna get better use of a guy like Morgan Rielly than just getting rid of him for nothing,” Colaiacovo said.
Aaron Korolnek also pointed to Toronto’s lack of defensive options. He said, “It’s not like there’s a litany of quality defensemen on a free agent market that you can just slot in and play.”
Colaiacovo agreed, adding one major exception.
“Now, if Zach Werenski was an option, then yes,” he said.
Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Rielly enters the season after recording 11 goals and 25 assists in 78 games. His minus-18 rating also reflected a difficult 2025–26 campaign.
Toronto’s defensive changes could now allow the veteran to play behind a stronger top pairing. Rielly could move to the second pair alongside Chris Tanev, reducing his defensive workload.
His role on special teams could also change, with Darren Raddysh expected to take over the top power-play unit. That would leave Rielly on the second unit while giving Toronto another offensive option.
The Leafs reportedly refused to add a sweetener or retain significant salary simply to move Rielly. That stance makes sense if Chayka believes a reduced role can revive his value.
MORE: Maple Leafs’ No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna already embracing life in Toronto
For now, keeping Rielly gives Toronto experienced depth without sacrificing assets for a poor return. If his play improves, Chayka could revisit the market before the 2027 trade deadline.
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Rielly carries a $7.5 million cap hit and has a full no-movement clause through July 2027. He also submitted a four-team trade list, limiting Toronto’s options further.
MORE: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews helps Jack Roslovic settle into Toronto
Speaking on First Up, former NHL defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo explained why Toronto may prefer keeping him.
“The Leafs were not just looking to give him away. They needed something in return,” Colaiacovo said.
He believes Toronto could get more value by changing Rielly’s role rather than forcing a weak trade.
“If they can properly slot Morgan Rielly in the second or third pair, you’re probably gonna get better use of a guy like Morgan Rielly than just getting rid of him for nothing,” Colaiacovo said.
Aaron Korolnek also pointed to Toronto’s lack of defensive options. He said, “It’s not like there’s a litany of quality defensemen on a free agent market that you can just slot in and play.”
Colaiacovo agreed, adding one major exception.
“Now, if Zach Werenski was an option, then yes,” he said.
Morgan Rielly could have a different role for Maple Leafs
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Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Rielly enters the season after recording 11 goals and 25 assists in 78 games. His minus-18 rating also reflected a difficult 2025–26 campaign.
Toronto’s defensive changes could now allow the veteran to play behind a stronger top pairing. Rielly could move to the second pair alongside Chris Tanev, reducing his defensive workload.
His role on special teams could also change, with Darren Raddysh expected to take over the top power-play unit. That would leave Rielly on the second unit while giving Toronto another offensive option.
The Leafs reportedly refused to add a sweetener or retain significant salary simply to move Rielly. That stance makes sense if Chayka believes a reduced role can revive his value.
MORE: Maple Leafs’ No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna already embracing life in Toronto
For now, keeping Rielly gives Toronto experienced depth without sacrificing assets for a poor return. If his play improves, Chayka could revisit the market before the 2027 trade deadline.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
