Insider Suggests Rielly Ready for Trade; Why the Change of Heart? – The Hockey Writers –

For years, Morgan Rielly has been synonymous with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sometimes that’s been good. Other times, not so much. Over the past few seasons, as the team has grown frustrated with their own success, and some of it pointed Rielly’s way, trade talks have surrounded the defenseman. He’s never been open to considering a move.

Drafted fifth overall in 2012, the veteran defenseman has skated in nearly 1,000 games wearing the blue and white. He’s been comfortable in Toronto, never wanting to leave the organization he was drafted and developed by. But, as the 2026-27 NHL offseason talk heats up, insiders indicate that Rielly’s long-standing commitment to Toronto may be wavering.

Chris Johnston of The Athletic writes:

“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. 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.”

source – ‘NHL offseason trade board: Early look at summer’s top targets, from Trocheck to Knies to Robertson’ – Chris Johnston – The Athletic – 05-28-2026

Why the sudden change of heart?

Rielly Might Be Tired of the Toronto Narrative

Rielly signed an eight-year, $60 million extension in 2021 with a $7.5 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause (NMC). That deal reflected his deep roots in the organization. As recently as April 2026, he said, “I’ve always wanted to stay. I still want to stay,” he told reporters.

That was then, and things have potentially changed.

There is only so much postseason disappointment any team and player can handle. And, when that postseason disappointment turns into regular-season struggles, things go from bad to worse. While Rielly has remained productive, the Leafs’ inability to build a winner has created mounting pressure to reshape the roster. Fingers get pointed his way as a problem, and reports suggest the organization may approach Rielly about waiving his no-move clause. It won’t be the first time he’s heard rumblings. At what point does a player look at his situation and go, ‘Yeah, things have run their course.’

At 32, Rielly is entering the later stages of his prime. A move could offer him a fresh start on a contending team. Sources indicate he has been “steadfastly against” leaving in the past but may now view a trade as an opportunity rather than a betrayal of loyalty.

His Contract Isn’t The Issue It Once Was

Rielly’s contract has been a factor in trade discussions before. With four years and roughly $30 million remaining, the cap hit would have posed a challenge years ago. Today, it’s not that big a deal.

That would open the door for several teams to show interest, giving Rielly an opportunity to choose among multiple landing spots. This is no longer about Toronto or a destination he’s not excited about. There will be a team he sees as a fit and one he might be eager to join.

For the money, he’s not a bad gamble, assuming GMs can see him for what he is: a player with offensive talent and experience. For teams like the San Jose Sharks, who have been linked as a potential landing spot to anchor their defense alongside young stars like Macklin Celebrini, he makes sense.

Marner Is Thriving… Why Can’t Rielly?

A trade would represent a major change for Rielly, but he wouldn’t be the first of the core group in Toronto to make the jump. Mitch Marner bailed last season and things have worked out glowingly for him in 2025-26.

The right fit on the right team with the right teammates could make a world of difference for Rielly. He has to see that now, since Marner has proven it’s possible. Yes, he has a deep attachment to Toronto, but the realities of a stagnant franchise and the pull of new opportunities may have prompted him to reconsider what he once thought was practically impossible.

Rielly’s next chapter—whether it continues in Toronto or begins elsewhere—will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2026 offseason.