Unique Morgan Rielly Trade Proposal Picking Up Steam Among Toronto Media
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto media has really begun to embrace the idea of the Maple Leafs trading Morgan Rielly to a Western Conference team in exchange for a versatile center with term.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs look to rebound after two consecutive losses, they may be in need of a shake-up, and with the deadline looming, the timing couldn't be better.
One player frequently mentioned in trade talks is long-tenured Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. The soon to be 31-year-old has had a tough season, with his role diminished and a troubling
minus-16 rating in 50 games. Despite the Leafs sitting atop the Atlantic Division, Rielly's performance has raised concerns.
According to Nick Kypreos on @FAN590 via X:
"You flip Morgan for J.T. Miller. They're roughly half a million dollars difference off the salary cap, roughly the same age and they have the same amount of years on their contract left, which is 5 years. Morgan is gonna say no to a lot of teams, but going home to British Columbia may be the one team Morgan would say yes to."
In addition to his poor play this season, one reason Rielly might be on the move is his struggle to adapt to a new system under his new coach, Craig Berube.
Former Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau commented on Rielly's performance this season during an appearance on Leafs Morning Take, further perpetuating the idea that the Leafs should move him:
"I do think Morgan is a problem. He hasn't changed the way he's played, and hasn't changed his style to the way Craig Berube wants to play."
A trade to the Vancouver Canucks makes sense, especially since J.T. Miller has also been the subject of trade rumors.
Miller, who scored over 100 points just last season, has struggled this year with only 9 goals and 34 points in 39 games.
Miller's issues extend beyond his on-ice performance. He's been the subject of locker room chatter, with reports of multiple disagreements among teammates and a reported rift with
Elias Pettersson. It seems a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs.
Both Rielly and Miller are talented players who are experiencing down years. The Canucks could certainly benefit from adding a reliable second-pairing defenseman, while the Leafs are in need of a center. A trade like this could make sense for both teams, helping them address their respective needs.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
JANVIER 28 | 2330 ANSWERS Unique Morgan Rielly Trade Proposal Picking Up Steam Among Toronto Media Who would be better fit on the Toronto Maple Leafs? |
Morgan Rielly | 794 | 34.1 % |
J.T. Miller | 1536 | 65.9 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Dean Chaudhry Injured Forward Takes Huge Step Forward for Maple Leafs; Berube Provides Official Update |
|
5 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Canada's Brandon Hagel Dunks on Tkachuk Brothers Ahead of Rematch with Team USA |
|
7 hours ago | By Mike Armenti Team USA Shares Update on Auston Matthews, Announce Replacement for Charlie McAvoy |
|
8 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Maple Leafs Officially Recall Toronto Marlies Standout Amid Hot Streak |
|
9 hours ago | By Mike Armenti Canada To Enter 4 Nations Face-Off With Advantage Over USA After Unfortunate Announcement |
|
10 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Mitch Marner Falls Out of Favour With Team Canada Ahead of Rematch With USA |
|
11 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Team Finland Head Coach Reveals Who He Thinks Will Win Canada-USA Rematch |
|
13 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Drew Doughty Issues Warning to Matthew Tkachuk Ahead of 4 Nations Face-Off Rematch |