Maple Leafs rumoured to trade Morgan Rielly after playoffs failure

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Gabriel Sami
May 15, 2024 (1:50 PM)

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Toronto is abuzz with trade speculation surrounding the Maple Leafs' star defenseman, Morgan Rielly.

Following the team's playoff exit, fans and analysts alike are contemplating potential moves, with Rielly and forward Mitch Marner frequently mentioned.

The Buzz Around Morgan Rielly

Matt Larkin of Daily Face-Off highlights the two primary trade possibilities for the Leafs: Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly. He notes:

Rielly, the longest tenured Leaf, has a deep emotional attachment to the team and its core. He hasn't been a scapegoat, and he was pretty darn good during the 2022-23 playoffs, but he simply isn't an all-situations horse who can shut down the other team's best players. That said, while he isn't an alpha No. 1 blueliner, he also isn't paid as one. At $7.5 million, he's merely the 23rd-richest defenseman in the league. He has a full no-movement clause and is under contract six more seasons. Unlike Marner and Tavares, Rielly didn't grow up in this market. He's a Western Canadian. Is there a chance he'd be willing to waive in the event of a trade simply for a fresh start for the second half of his career?

Rielly's end-of-season press conference comments hinted at a critical reflection on the team's future. His realistic outlook has sparked further speculation about his place with the Leafs.

I don't want to stand here and try to tell you that we're on the doorstep of anything because we're sitting here today doing this. The belief is there that it's attainable, but there's work and improvement that has to take place. So, how close are we? I don't know, we'll see. It feels both attainable and a ways away and that's what drives you as an individual. That's what drives a team forward to either have success or we'll see.

Rielly's candid assessment of the team's performance, especially after their Game 7 loss, underscores his awareness of the gap between current capabilities and championship aspirations.

Maple Leafs Morgan Rielly's Potential Trade Value

Rielly's value is evident, yet his full no-movement clause complicates potential trades. His attachment to the team and the city makes any decision to move him a significant one. However, his Western Canadian roots could play a role in his openness to a trade, providing the Leafs an opportunity to reshape their roster.

The 2024 offseason will be crucial for the Maple Leafs as they navigate potential trades to strengthen their lineup. The question remains: is Rielly's future in Toronto or will he find a fresh start elsewhere? This ongoing narrative keeps fans on the edge, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Maple Leafs' quest for success.

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MAI 15 \| 280 ANSWERS Maple Leafs rumoured to trade Morgan Rielly after playoffs failure Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade Morgan Rielly this summer?
Yes	155	55.4 %
No	125	44.6 %
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