Apr 2, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) looks to pass the puck during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Apr 2, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) looks to pass the puck during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into an important offseason, and the NHL rumor mill has cast defenseman Morgan Rielly's future into doubt.
New general manager John Chayka is looking at possible roster changes, and the veteran player could consider moving.
NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that the Edmonton Oilers contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs about a larger trade involving Darnell Nurse.
He stated, "The Oilers offered him (Nurse) to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a larger deal that is believed to have included Nic Roy and Morgan Rielly."
Toronto eventually turned down the trade, but the bigger story was Rielly being part of the deal.
May 4, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka speaks to the media at Real Sports Bar. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
May 4, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka speaks to the media at Real Sports Bar. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
"It doesn’t sound like the Toronto Maple Leafs will ask Morgan Rielly for a list of teams he’d accept a trade to," Pagnotta later claimed, as per The Sporting News.
According to the insider, the defenseman will measure his options.
He added, "While that could change, the sense I’m getting right now is that Rielly and his camp will review things on a case-by-case basis, should the Leafs find a trade they’re willing to accept."
Rielly’s 2025-26 season also raised questions about his future with the Maple Leafs. The 32-year-old finished with 11 goals and 25 assists and posted a career-worst minus-18 rating.
Money remains a big part of the situation. Rielly is under contract through the 2029-30 season on a deal worth $60 million with a $7.5 million salary-cap hit per year.
Trading him would free up valuable cap space for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they try to improve the roster. His no-move clause has made trades difficult in the past, but reports indicate he may be open to certain destinations.
Potential Landing Spots for the Veteran Defenseman
Several Western Conference teams have been linked to Morgan Rielly, including the San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Anaheim Ducks. Each team offers something different.
San Jose and Anaheim have enough salary-cap space to take on Rielly’s contract, while Winnipeg could see him as an experienced addition to strengthen its defense.
Vancouver has also garnered attention due to Rielly’s ties to the area.
For any team that acquires him, Rielly would bring defensive ability, leadership, and plenty of playoff experience.
For Toronto, though, trading him could mean something bigger.
With a first overall pick and Auston Matthews being the only untouchable asset, Chayka may take the axe to the remaining roster.
After all, the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, which is enough to spark a major overhaul.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs focus on gaining salary-cap flexibility? Or will they retain Morgan Rielly’s veteran leadership? Comment your answers below.
Read more at the NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Sijo Paul