Rielly Struggles Has Analyst Bullish on Big Trade Between Maple Leafs and Oilers

“His defensive play must be seen as awful this year for MacLean to be so bullish on the need for a change for him…” writes David Staples of the Edmonton Journal while breaking down the idea posed this week of a blockbuster deal that would send Morgan Rielly to the Edmonton Oilers. The one-for-pitched trade was Rielly to Edmonton for defenseman Darnell Nurse, a fresh start for both players.

Staples adds, “Of course, both Nurse and Rielly have no movement clauses, but players have been known to waive such clauses if it makes sense for them.”

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That was the question both Doug MacLean, Staples, and the crew of the Kyper and Bourne Show were trying to answer — would this be a trade that makes sense, and would both defensemen be open to it? At $7.5 million, Rielly seems to have worn out his welcome in Toronto. Nurse remains a polarizing player in Edmonton because of his $9.25 million-per-season contract. Both have four years left on their deals, but Rielly has 2.5 years left on his no movement clause, while Nurse has just 1.5 years left.

The discussions are pointless if either or both won’t agree to waive. However, the theory seems to be, how long do both men want to stick it out if both know they’re not wanted? Things may not have reached that point in Edmonton with Nurse, but McLean seems to be suggesting Rielly has crossed a line with the Maple Leafs.

“I don’t know if he’s a Top 4 guy right now. And Nurse, I mean, at $9.25 million (per year in cap hit) I mean that’s a tough contract to swallow for a guy that is really, really inconsistent in his game. And I don’t know what it would be like in Toronto for him, because we know the market, how tough it is. But I mean, I do that. If I could do Nurse for Morgan Rielly, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I’d take a chance.”

Why Would the Oilers Do This Deal?

MacLean was correct to wonder if Stan Bowman would make this kind of trade. The upside is that Rielly is less expensive, and he’s more offensive. That would allow the Oilers to do a few things and get out from under the Nurse contract.

The downside is that Rielly is not physical, and the defensive side of his game is nonexistent. What the Oilers don’t need is to add another black hole on the defensive side. If the Oilers are going to risk frustrating the leadership group of this team by trading Nurse — who is extremely close friends with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl — they need to get a defense-first, sure thing back in return.

Next: Insider Squashes Trade Request Rumor and Report of Oilers Lateral Move