What’s the Best-Case Scenario for Morgan Rielly This Season?

The best-case scenario for Morgan Rielly this season (if he wants to stay in Toronto) is pretty simple: he needs to look like the Rielly Toronto is paying for. But he has to do it in a way that fits what the Maple Leafs are trying to build right now, and without making it look like he’s “declining” every time he’s on the ice.

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Four Things Rielly Must Do to Make an Impact

First, Rielly has to be healthy, confident, and not stuck thinking too much. If he comes out of the gate playing calmer—making the simple exits, hitting his first pass more often, and not trying to thread needles when the pressure is too heavy—that alone changes how fans see him. Rielly’s game has always been to carry the puck up the ice to good places. The best-case is he’s doing that consistently, not just in flashes.

Second, he needs a better pairing and usage plan. Even if he’s not the same minutes guy every night, the best version of Rielly this season would be paired with someone who can shore up the gaps. That allows Rielly to focus on being the distributor and transition guy. Basically, will coach Jim Hiller let him drive offence and control the puck? And will Rielly be able to share the defensive work in a way that doesn’t expose him?

Third, on the power play, the best-case is that Rielly is still quarterbacking at least the second unit. That lets him set up plays, winning battles in the offensive zone, and taking the chances that actually fit Toronto’s personnel. He needs to get more power-play touches that match his strengths.

Fourth, he has to show the defensive side of his game improved, even if he’s not suddenly a shutdown defender. His best-case looks like fewer lazy giveaways, better reads in his own end, and less time scrambling. It’s not about him turning into a Norris-level player overnight. It’s about him being positionally smarter and more reliable, so the team trusts him in big moments again.

Rielly Needs to Forget the Trade Rumours and Play Solid Hockey

If all that happens, the Maple Leafs would benefit. They’d be able to keep him without the constant trade speculation hanging over him. More importantly for Rielly, it gives him leverage: Toronto sees him as part of the solution, not a risk.

And if he can also chip in a few power-play points and a few timely even-strength contributions, then you’re talking about the best-case version of maintaining his value. It means he stays, plays like himself, and Toronto doesn’t need to rebuild his image at the trade deadline.

Related: Maple Leafs’ Hopes Rest on a Single Old Goalie