Maple Leafs’ Rielly Expects to Return Despite Ongoing Trade Rumours

There has been a strong belief this offseason that the Toronto Maple Leafs would be trading Morgan Rielly, but it doesn’t seem like that’s going to come to fruition. There was some speculation that the San Jose Sharks had some interest in acquiring him before they brought in Darnell Nurse, but other than that, it has been quiet on the trade front.

When speaking on Wednesday, Rielly mentioned that he expects to remain with the Maple Leafs this season. “That’s what I would expect,” Rielly said when asked if he believes he will be a Maple Leaf for the season opener. He continued, “For me, it’s just trying to stay focused and be present. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Rielly spoke highly of the Maple Leafs, saying, “I just feel grateful to be a part of this organization and this team. I think there’s great things ahead, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

He also previously spoke highly of John Chayka’s plan and how direct he is, adding that the two had a good conversation after the World Championship.

The Maple Leafs made a lot of changes this offseason, and seemingly still need to clear some cap space before the season gets going. While Rielly was the player that most people expected the team to move, it sounds like they could have another plan up their sleeve.

Rielly Could Still Get Moved, But Where?

There is still a world where Rielly gets traded before the season gets underway, but the list of suitors has dwindled. Keep in mind, Rielly has a full no-movement clause and has full control over where he could be moved, but there is still a chance a couple of teams could be interested in adding him.

The Anaheim Ducks are desperate for defensemen and still seem like a logical fit, but they would need to move some money out and re-sign Cutter Gauthier before they make any more additions.

The Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken could also be decent fits for Rielly, if the asking price in a trade isn’t ridiculous, as they have the cap space to bring him in.

Realistically, the San Jose Sharks seemed like the best fit this summer, but they seem to be finished making any additions at this point.

Rielly getting traded could be a trade deadline move rather than an offseason move, but there is still some time for things to change.

Maple Leafs Still Need to Move Money

According to PuckPedia, the Maple Leafs still need to clear some cap space. Max Domi was left unable to walk after surgery complications, so fans wondered if he could miss the 2026-27 season and the team could get some cap relief that way, but everything seems to point towards him being ready at some point during the season.

Trading one of the veteran defenders, that being Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Chris Tanev, or Jake McCabe could clear the cap space they need, but it doesn’t make sense for them to get rid of any of them.

So, we circle back to Rielly.

Eventually, it seems inevitable that he will be moved. Maybe the Maple Leafs could find a way to stay under the cap until Domi can play, but it seems like Rielly will have to be traded at some point, one way or the other. For now, though, it seems like he will start the season with the Maple Leafs.

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