Western Conference Team Floated as Ideal Morgan Rielly Trade Suitor

The Toronto Maple Leafs have gotten a taste of what life without Morgan Rielly could look like over the last seven periods they’ve played, and so far, so good. A comeback shootout win in Vancouver, followed by wins on back-to-back nights in Calgary and Edmonton, outscoring their opponents 10–4 along the way.

Trade chatter was already beginning to build around the longest-tenured Maple Leaf, now factor in their recent success in his absence, and it’s fair to expect that talk to pick up even more. There are several complications at play when it comes to a Rielly trade, one of them being the challenge of finding a team that can handle his $7.5 million cap hit. That remains a hurdle, though one analyst believes an up-and-coming Western Conference squad stands out as the best option.

---

Michael Amato of Sportsnet recently connected Rielly to the San Jose Sharks, who have a plethora of cap space not only now, but for years to come.

Amato wrote:

“If the Leafs are moving on from Morgan Rielly this summer, the Sharks feel like one of the most ideal trade partners. Only two D signed for next season. Keep in mind that with the cap skyrocketing, the floor is going up, too. Teams will have to get there,”

The 31-year-old Rielly is in year four of the eight-year, $60 million extension signed with the Maple Leafs back in 2021, which includes a full no-movement clause through 2027-28. He’s tallied 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists) across 54 games played this season.

Morgan Rielly to San Jose Could Make Sense

While Rielly’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years—with both the numbers and the eye test suggesting he’s not quite the player he once was—there remains value in what he brings, and a Sharks team desperate for help on the blue line could certainly use that.

Not only are they equipped to handle his contract, but because of that, it’s unlikely GM Mike Grier would have to pay a steep price in a return package to acquire the four-time 50-point defenseman.

All that would stand in the way of getting a deal done is Rielly’s reluctance to leave Toronto, which he has full control over. That said, if the writing appears to be on the wall, he may be willing to accept a fresh start elsewhere—and San Jose could be an appealing landing spot. An opportunity to join a budding young core led by Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith out in California doesn’t sound too shabby.

While nothing is imminent on the trade front when it comes to Rielly, if the Maple Leafs miss the playoffs, expect things to heat up quickly in the offseason. Keep an eye on GM Brad Treliving—or whoever may be in charge by then—as another core piece could be on the move.

Next: Signs Point to Oilers–Maple Leafs Trade Before the Deadline?