NHL rumors: The 2 Western Conference frontrunners for Leafs’ Morgan Rielly

The NHL offseason continues, and the Toronto Maple Leafs continue talks with Morgan Rielly. As the talks continue, there is reports that Rielly has localized two teams in the Western Conference as his trade targets, according to JayOnSC.

What’s the latest on the Morgan Rielly and Darnell Nurse situations? #TSNHockey Insider @PierreVLeBrun joins @JayOnrait to discuss. pic.twitter.com/e9fDgXMi5D

— JayOnSC (@JayOnSC) June 25, 2026

Pierre LeBrun told Jay that the talks with Rielly have continued. Currently, he sees the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks as the frontrunners. This is not the first time Rielly has indicated a Western Conference team as his preference. He has been with the Leafs since he debuted in the 2013-14 season.

Rielly currently has a contract that runs through the 2029-30 season. Additionally, the average AAV is $7.5 million. As the Maple Leafs look to improve, they must also decide whether to ship their longtime defenseman.

Rielly notched 11 goals and 36 total points over 78 games last season. Also, he is a few seasons removed from his 58-point season, which was a career high. The Maple Leafs are looking to shake up their team, and that could include trading Rielly. With the Ducks possibly needing help on defense, a trade to them would make sense.

The Sharks also could use some help on defense. Ultimately, they ranked third-worst this past season in goals against. While they had an explosive offense, led by Macklin Celebrini, they could not keep goals out of the net. Because of that, they are a potential suitor for a player like Rielly.

With the NHL Draft inching closer, the talks with Rielly continue, as the Maple Leafs look to figure out how to upgrade their roster. The only question that remains is whether Rielly will be part of that future.

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