Toronto’s Expectation Has Not Changed Regarding Morgan Rielly Trade

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reported on his season finale episode of “The Chris Johnston’s Show” that Toronto’s expectation has not changed regarding a Morgan Rielly trade. While the chatter has quieted and the comments from GM John Chayka suggest Rielly will be staying put, the NHL insider believes, behind the scenes, that Chayka is still trying to make a trade.

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“I’m still curious to see what happens with Rielly,” Johnston said. “I continue to hear that the expectation is ‘You will still be moved before next season,’ but you know, as I mentioned in our previous trade discussions, some of the steam sometimes goes out of those talks when we get a little deeper into the summer.”

He added, “I still think that they’ll be looking at ways to change and shape the roster, so this is probably the one busiest offseason for the Leafs I can remember.”

The Leafs want to make more moves. Whether that’s via free agency or trades, Chayka continues to look for ways to improve the team. Part of getting things done is clearing up cap space. Moving out Rielly does that.

What’s The Status on a Rielly Trade Out West?

Rielly had given the Maple Leafs a list of Western Conference teams he was willing to join if the Leafs could successfully find a trade. This was months, if not years, after it was first learned that Toronto was thinking about trading the defenseman. Until this season, he’d been using his trade protection to squash any potential. It sounds like he’s now come to terms with the idea of moving on.

However, Anaheim and San Jose (both teams linked to his list) have made other moves and adding him isn’t simple. The Sharks acquired Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers and signed Jacob Trouba from the Ducks. Meanwhile, the Ducks had to match a Leo Carlsson offer sheet and need to get Cutter Gauthier signed. They don’t exactly have ample cap space to bring in Rielly and his $7.5 million contract over the next four seasons.

So, while Toronto might be open to moving on and Rielly might be OK with a change, a trade isn’t imminent.

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