Maple Leafs rumors: ‘Writing is on the wall’ for Morgan Rielly in Toronto

Morgan Rielly has been a staple on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blue line since being selected fifth overall by the franchise in the 2012 NHL Draft.

But after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign for both player and club, there have been increasing reports that new general manager John Chayka could be looking to give the veteran defenseman a fresh start elsewhere.

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston added fuel to that speculation in his latest trade board, ranking Rielly fifth overall.

“With a new management group running the front office and a new coaching staff soon to be hired, this is a time of change in Toronto,” the hockey insider wrote on Thursday.

“That means the writing is on the wall for Rielly, the Leafs’ longest-tenured player, who has previously been unwilling to consider waiving his no-movement clause but has since softened on that stance. He still controls the process because of that mechanism in his contract, but a fresh start is looking increasingly likely.”

The 32-year-old recorded his lowest offensive point total since the 2016-17 campaign, finishing with 36 points in 78 games. That’s a far cry from the 20-goal, 72-point season he produced in 2018-19.

“While Rielly’s skating isn’t the separator it once was, he possesses strong puck skills and can help drive a team offensively,” Johnston added. “He’s also a high-character player who should be viewed as a dressing room asset.”

Rielly would be far from a rental if he were moved. The Vancouver, British Columbia native still has three seasons remaining on a contract carrying a $7.5 million cap hit through 2029-30.

He’s currently representing Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, recording three assists in eight games. Canada defeated the United States in the quarterfinals on Thursday and will face Finland on Saturday with a trip to the gold medal game on the line.

It’s still difficult to imagine Rielly wearing another jersey after spending 14 seasons — more than any other player on the roster — with the Maple Leafs organization.

But as the winds of change continue sweeping through Toronto, the longtime defenseman could end up becoming one of the franchise’s biggest offseason departures.

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