Insider Leaves Notable Maple Leaf Off Untouchables List

The drama around the Toronto Maple Leafs continues to grow by the day. That’s what comes with the territory of playing in the biggest hockey market in the world; when things go sideways, it’s impossible to hide. No one knows this better than Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly.

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The Maple Leafs find themselves in a tough position — so much so that their GM felt the need to hold a press conference on Tuesday morning to address the team’s troubles. Losers of five straight games, they are now tied for last in the Eastern Conference with the Buffalo Sabres at 18 points.

Said funk has led to mass speculation about changes that could be coming on and off the ice in Toronto. 

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman has mentioned that Brad Treliving wants to shake up his roster outside of the core; however, he revealed those untouchables on Monday, and defenseman Morgan Rielly was not among them. 

“I think they want to move roster for roster, player for player. And I think the four guys that they’re not touching, at least for now, are Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, and Knies. And I think everybody else they will at least consider,” Friedman said. 

The 31-year-old Rielly is in the fourth season of the eight-year, $60 million extension he signed with the Maple Leafs back in 2021.

What Could a Rielly Trade Look Like?

Following a career-worst 2024-25 season, Rielly’s value was at an all-time low. Now that he’s bounced back to some degree in 2025-26, what could he fetch in a trade?

That remains difficult to determine given his age and contract, but it has to have increased thanks to his play through 18 games (15 points: three goals, 12 assists).

Any return package would have to include a player or multiple players who will help the Maple Leafs in the here and now, as they’ve continued to reiterate a desire to win.

Perhaps a reunion with Kyle Dubas could make some sense? Pittsburgh is playing better than expected, and the team might be buying to help Sidney Crosby push toward another playoff run. What about in Nashville, where the Predators desperately need a shake-up? The same could be said for the St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames, and things haven’t been all that smooth in Edmonton or Vancouver either.

There are numerous options for Treliving if he truly digs deeper into this possibility, but until something actually happens, everyone will remain skeptical about a move of significance going down anytime soon.

Next: Nylander, Maple Leafs Feeling the Effects of No Marner?