Toronto Maple Leafs fans might find it difficult to accept, but it may be time for Morgan Rielly to be traded. As the highest-paid defenseman and longest-tenured player on the team, Rielly’s departure could address one of Toronto’s most glaring issues – their goaltending.
The Maple Leafs’ strategy should focus on trading Rielly for a top-tier goaltender, while also signing two unrestricted free agent defensemen such as Brandon Montour, Nikita Zadorov, Brady Skjei, or Brett Pesce. Complementing these moves with players from the Toronto Marlies would create a more robust and balanced team, less prone to breaking under pressure.
Despite Rielly’s significant role and the fact that he has a no-movement clause, it’s crucial to recognize that he isn’t a high-caliber defenseman who can single-handedly fortify the team’s back end. The Leafs need a defense built to keep opponents away from high-danger scoring areas, something Rielly has struggled with, especially in the playoffs. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers have shown that the ability to both deliver and withstand physical play is vital for deep playoff runs.
Rielly, while a key player for the Leafs, isn’t known for his physicality or defensive prowess. His performance often falls short in the postseason, where his lack of toughness becomes a liability. Throughout the 2023-24 season, Rielly averaged 23:44 minutes of ice time per game, the highest on the team, yet he did not particularly excel in any of the three phases of the game – offense, defense, or special teams.
His $7.5 million AAV cap hit is substantial and could be leveraged to acquire an elite goaltender, whose salaries typically hover around $6 million. Despite the widespread calls for trading Mitch Marner, another star on the team, few have suggested moving Rielly, which could be a more strategic decision.
Several goalies might be available for a trade, especially if the Leafs offer Rielly in return. Juuse Saros from the Nashville Predators and Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins are two names that stand out as potential upgrades for Toronto’s net. Acquiring either of these goaltenders would significantly enhance the team’s defensive stability. Additionally, with the $20 million cap space that General Manager Brad Treliving has, signing a few solid defensemen would be a viable option.
Statistics also suggest that the Leafs perform better without Rielly. Since he entered the league, the team has a 68 percent point-percentage when he is not in the lineup compared to 57 percent when he is. This sample size of around 100 games indicates a noticeable impact, and it would be unwise to disregard this data.
In summary, trading Morgan Rielly, despite his tenure and contributions, could be a crucial step for the Toronto Maple Leafs. By securing a top-tier goaltender and adding solid defensemen through free agency, the Leafs can address their weaknesses and become a more formidable team, capable of enduring the rigors of the playoffs. This strategic shift could ultimately be more beneficial for the team’s long-term success than holding on to Rielly.
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