Rielly-to-Sharks Talk Picks Up Steam as Oilers Trade Option Fades

Trade speculation surrounding Morgan Rielly and the San Jose Sharks is intensifying, and part of the reason may have less to do with Toronto and more to do with Edmonton.

With the Oilers actively exploring the market for Darnell Nurse, the Sharks were viewed as a logical landing spot given their cap flexibility and need on the blue line. However, that option appears to be off the table. Reports suggest San Jose is not on Nurse’s short list of acceptable trade destinations. This will mean that unless the Sharks can convince Nurse to add them, they’ll have no choice but to pivot to alternative options.

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That’s where Rielly enters the picture.

San Jose’s blue line remains a work in progress. Beyond a couple of NHL-caliber names, the organization lacks contracts in key positions, and it appears they’ll be losing names like Mario Ferraro and John Klingberg. They could use proven stability on the back end. With ample cap space and a stockpile of assets, the Sharks are well-positioned to take on a significant contract — and potentially target a veteran presence to help guide their younger players.

That’s why it was believed they were in on Darnell Nurse, but the fact he prefers an Eastern Conference team poses a challenge for the Sharks. Granted, it’s unclear if Rielly would be open to the Sharks either. If he’s open to it, Rielly could become a primary target.

Despite facing criticism at times in Toronto, Rielly still brings considerable value. He logs big minutes, can drive offense from the back end, and carries the kind of experience that rebuilding teams often covet. In San Jose, the pressure wouldn’t be as intense. And for a team like the Sharks, absorbing that deal is far more manageable than for other clubs that might look at what Rielly is making and flinch.

The Maple Leafs won’t want to give Rielly away, but it might not require a blockbuster package to get the deal done. Toronto may be looking to clear up cap space more than anything. And, if they make a run at Darren Raddysh, they’ll have found their power play quarterback replacement.

With the Nurse option no longer viable, San Jose may be accelerating its focus on Rielly. Will he respond with interest in the Sharks?

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