Maple Leafs exploring Rielly trade market — The Fourth Period
The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively shopping defenceman Morgan Rielly, whom has provided the team with some direction and some idea of where he would be willing to waive his no-movement clause for.
TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on May 30 that Toronto would be looking to move Rielly and that the veteran blueliner would consider a move on a case-by-case basis.
On Tuesday, Pierre LeBrun reported in his latest column for The Athletic that Rielly’s camp has provided Leafs GM John Chayka with a list of teams that would be of interest to him, but Rielly would consider options beyond that list, as well.
According to LeBrun, most of the teams Rielly prefers to move to are in the Western Conference, with the San Jose Sharks being one team, while the Vancouver Canucks are not on his list.
Rielly, 32, is entering the fifth year of his eight-year, $60 million contract. While his salary cap hit is $7.5 million, he will be paid $6 million in each of the final four years of his contract starting the 2026-27 season.
The Anaheim Ducks are among the teams interested in bolstering their defensive corps and are also believed to have some degree of interest in Rielly, according to Pagnotta. The Edmonton Oilers have also been linked to Rielly, having tried to acquire him ahead of the deadline.
In 78 games with the Leafs this past season, Rielly registered 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points.
