Zach Werenski news doesn't change Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly plans

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Zach Werenski news doesn't change Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly plans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The combination of news on Wednesday night was fascinating for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Zach Werenski appears to be staying with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the Leafs still want to trade Morgan Rielly.

Maybe, the thinking would've gone, a Rielly trade would've been a logical step alongside a Werenski acquisition. That way, the defensive unit keeps the same amount of people, maybe with an upgrade.

But on Wednesday evening, Werenski released a statement affirming his commitment to the Blue Jackets after trade rumors have been swirling.

And about the same time, The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reported that the Maple Leafs continue to search for a Rielly deal, writing this on X:

"The Maple Leafs have had ongoing trade talks with teams about Morgan Rielly today and those conversations will continue. It does sound like the end goal is a trade at some point this week/summer."

MORE: The Maple Leafs have pulled off the Sergei Bobrovsky signing

Depending on what else Toronto does, a Rielly trade could deplete a unit that doesn't need depleting.

Yes, on the bright side, the Maple Leafs already added Darren Raddysh. That helps, but if Rielly is then subtracted, it doesn't help enough.

Toronto didn't just need better top-pairing defensemen. The Leafs also needed more depth on the blue line.

Trading Rielly might still be the right call, and maybe it was always a longshot to get Werenski.

But if feels like this defensive plan isn't shaping up optimally for Toronto at the moment.

More NHL news:​

• Jack Eichel turned into Ben Simmons
• Frederik Andersen heading toward an unceremonious exit
• Cale Makar is about to become a lot more expensive
• Sidney Crosby trade plans did a 180 for the Penguins
• It's time to ask a serious Matthew Knies question

Continue reading...