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Trade speculation surrounding Morgan Rielly continues to grow, with reports suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for an eventual split from their longest-serving defenseman. While no deal appears imminent, insiders believe it is now a matter of timing rather than possibility.
Speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, NHL insider David Pagnotta shared what he has been hearing about Rielly’s future.
“I was told after we left the studio on Wednesday that it’s a matter of when, not if he’s going to get traded,” Pagnotta said.
MORE: NHL world reacts to Flyers’ massive $18M AAV offer sheet to Ducks’ Leo Carlsson
Pagnotta added that Toronto could still begin the season with Rielly if the right trade fails to materialize.
“I think the Leafs are prepared to start the season with him, but I think they’d like to make it happen before they get to that point,” Pagnotta said.
Pagnotta also stressed there is no clear timeline, saying, “The when can’t be defined. It could be this week. It could be next week. It could be next month. It could be into the season, but it certainly seems like at some point, well before his contract ends, he’d be sporting another jersey.”
Rielly remains under contract through the 2029-30 season with a $7.5 million annual cap hit. The 31-year-old also carries a full no-movement clause until the final two years of his deal, making any trade dependent on his approval.
The speculation follows a disappointing 2025-26 season for both player and team. Rielly finished with 11 goals and 36 points in 78 games but posted a career-worst minus-18 rating. Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division with 78 points and ranked 31st in goals allowed.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) before a game at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
New general manager John Chayka has already reshaped much of the roster. The additions of Darren Raddysh, Emil Andrae, Nick Paul, Sergei Bobrovsky and several depth forwards signal a shift toward a more balanced lineup.
So, moving Rielly would continue that transition. He remains an effective puck-moving defenseman, but Toronto’s recent changes suggest the organization wants a different defensive identity.
Trading Rielly would also create valuable salary-cap flexibility while opening larger roles for younger defensemen. The biggest obstacle remains his no-movement clause, giving him significant control over any destination.
MORE: Maple Leafs goalie Sergei Bobrovsky says he has ‘nothing against’ Panthers
If Pagnotta’s report proves accurate, the question is no longer whether Rielly leaves Toronto. The focus instead shifts to when the Maple Leafs find a trade that fits both their long-term plans and Rielly’s approval.
Continue reading...
Speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, NHL insider David Pagnotta shared what he has been hearing about Rielly’s future.
“I was told after we left the studio on Wednesday that it’s a matter of when, not if he’s going to get traded,” Pagnotta said.
MORE: NHL world reacts to Flyers’ massive $18M AAV offer sheet to Ducks’ Leo Carlsson
Pagnotta added that Toronto could still begin the season with Rielly if the right trade fails to materialize.
“I think the Leafs are prepared to start the season with him, but I think they’d like to make it happen before they get to that point,” Pagnotta said.
Pagnotta also stressed there is no clear timeline, saying, “The when can’t be defined. It could be this week. It could be next week. It could be next month. It could be into the season, but it certainly seems like at some point, well before his contract ends, he’d be sporting another jersey.”
Why a Morgan Rielly trade makes sense for Maple Leafs?
Rielly remains under contract through the 2029-30 season with a $7.5 million annual cap hit. The 31-year-old also carries a full no-movement clause until the final two years of his deal, making any trade dependent on his approval.
The speculation follows a disappointing 2025-26 season for both player and team. Rielly finished with 11 goals and 36 points in 78 games but posted a career-worst minus-18 rating. Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division with 78 points and ranked 31st in goals allowed.
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) before a game at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
New general manager John Chayka has already reshaped much of the roster. The additions of Darren Raddysh, Emil Andrae, Nick Paul, Sergei Bobrovsky and several depth forwards signal a shift toward a more balanced lineup.
So, moving Rielly would continue that transition. He remains an effective puck-moving defenseman, but Toronto’s recent changes suggest the organization wants a different defensive identity.
Trading Rielly would also create valuable salary-cap flexibility while opening larger roles for younger defensemen. The biggest obstacle remains his no-movement clause, giving him significant control over any destination.
MORE: Maple Leafs goalie Sergei Bobrovsky says he has ‘nothing against’ Panthers
If Pagnotta’s report proves accurate, the question is no longer whether Rielly leaves Toronto. The focus instead shifts to when the Maple Leafs find a trade that fits both their long-term plans and Rielly’s approval.
Continue reading...
