Morgan Rielly trade talks take a turn, and Toronto media is speaking out

The Maple Leafs' longest-tenured player submitted a four-team list of destinations over a month ago, and many assumed a deal was imminent. That assumption no longer holds.

With limited trade interest and few teams stepping forward with real offers, the conversation around moving Rielly has largely stalled.

General manager John Chayka has kept busy reshaping the Toronto roster elsewhere, but signs increasingly point toward Rielly opening the 2026-27 season on the Leafs blue line.

Appearing on TSN's OverDrive, The Athletic's Jonas Siegel was asked directly whether Rielly would begin the season in Toronto.

After some hesitation, he said the veteran defenseman stays put. Siegel pointed to several factors working against a trade.

Rielly holds a no-movement clause that gives him leverage over any deal, he is owed four more years at a $7.5 million cap hit, and his trade value has slipped given his age and recent performance dip.

Siegel also floated the idea that a new voice behind the bench, incoming coach Jim Hiller, could help Rielly bounce back after a system under former coach Craig Berube that may not have fit his skating style.

Former Leaf and current TSN analyst Frankie Corrado echoed the sentiment, suggesting the offseason addition of Darren Raddysh takes some pressure off Rielly by adding depth on the back end.

Corrado also raised questions about whether the San Jose Sharks, who recently acquired Darnell Nurse, were ever a realistic destination.

With training camp approaching and no deal materializing, it now looks like Rielly will suit up for Toronto when the puck drops on the new season.

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