Rielly, Virtue & the Maple Leafs: Why a Trade Isn’t Simple

People have been talking about Morgan Rielly moving on from the Toronto Maple Leafs. But he seems to love Toronto, and he has a no-trade clause. That means he decides, and there’s nothing to suggest he wants out of Toronto. For now, his life is in Ontario. It’s simply become his home. And, he’s been beyond active in the greater Toronto community.

Rielly Married Canadian Ice Dancer Tessa Virtue: They Have a Son

Rielly married Canadian ice dancing legend Tessa Virtue in 2023. The two had a son, whom they named McCormick, in 2024. Virtue is one of Canada’s most decorated Olympic skaters, and the couple’s life has strong Canadian roots. While living in Canada might be huge, living in Toronto might not be.

If you’re a GM thinking about moving someone with those kinds of personal roots, it’s never simple. But here’s the thing: just because we think he’s unlikely to want a move doesn’t mean you don’t ask.

Virtue Is from Ontario, But Not from Toronto

Rielly is from North Vancouver, BC, so moving back there could hold personal appeal for him. Virtue, on the other hand, is from London, Ontario. So, Toronto isn’t really “her hometown” either, although it’s where they’ve built their family life.

The point is that Toronto is home now because of their life together, but a move to Vancouver would be returning Rielly closer to family roots, while Virtue’s life is more flexible since she’s not tied to a hometown there.

Could Rielly Be Attracted Home to Vancouver?

Is there a chance that Rielly would be drawn home to play for a rebuilding Canucks team? Vancouver’s young defenders could really use a steady hand: someone who’s handled top-pair minutes in a big market and knows how to deal with the heat. He could be a mentor for guys like Zeev Buium, Tom Willander, or Victor Mancini. He’d also have to guess that he and Filip Hronek would pair well.

Would Rielly be open to that kind of role? We don’t know — and neither does any GM. Maybe he’d jump at the chance to play closer to extended family. Perhaps the idea of putting his own imprint on a rebuild appeals to him now that he’s a dad. Maybe he’s heard the loud critiques of his play by analysts throughout Toronto. Maybe, like Mitch Marner, he’s had enough.

Or, perhaps he’d prefer the stability of Toronto. We just don’t know because no one’s asked. Who would have thought that Zach Hyman would jump to the Edmonton Oilers?

If the Maple Leafs Want to Move On, They Should Ask Rielly

That’s why this isn’t a silly rumour. If that’s what the organization wants, it’s a question worth putting on the table. In an NHL with no guarantees, the only way to find out whether a trade can happen is to ask. It doesn’t hurt anything, and it might open up conversations that lead to something creative. The worst it can do is to clarify where everyone stands.

For a player with a no‑trade clause, sometimes the most important part is the “if” in if he’ll waive it. And until that gets answered, the speculation will never really go away.

Related: Fans Set Off By Overpay in McMann Trade Pitch to Oilers