Morgan Rielly’s days in Toronto may be numbered

Raphael Simard
Morgan Rielly’s days in Toronto may be numbered
Credit: YouTube

Let's take a break from the Olympics and take a look at the standings in the East.

The habs are in excellent shape, while the Leafs are struggling a bit.

(Credit: NHL.com)

Toronto is only six points out of the playoffs, but people aren't optimistic. There are too many teams in the race and so few games left to play. Even the defending champions, the Florida Panthers, are in the same boat.

So what should Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving do? Maybe it's time to have a conversation with Morgan Rielly? David Pagnotta ofThe Fourth Period thinksit's time to discuss the possibility of trading him.

He reminds us that the defenseman has an outright no-trade clause until 2028 and that from the 2028-2029 season to 2029-2030, the clause becomes a little more flexible (a list of 10 teams he doesn't want to be traded to).

But regardless, Pagnotta discusses the possibility of seeing him traded this season, yes, but especially during the summer. Such a long contract is easier to trade during the offseason…

It's clear that Toronto, which won't be tearing down the team, will be patient and won't let him go for an offer that doesn't make sense. That said, it's not impossible to see him leaving the Queen City.

And while we're at it, we might as well talk about Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Bobby McMann. If the Leafs do decide to write off the season, these are two players who could attract interest.

In McMann's case, he will become a UFA at the end of the season and could bring in two second-round picks, much like what Kiefer Sherwood brought in for the Canucks.

In the case of OEL, who is at the Olympics, he is a defenseman who plays well in all zones. He is a veteran with great playoff experience and could be a significant help to a Stanley Cup contender.

He earns $3.5 million annually for two more seasons after this one. But again, the Leafs won't trade him out of desperation…


Overtime

– It's carnage for the Swiss.

– Poor Benoit Brunet.

– Keep an eye out tomorrow.

– Oh, really?

– Two habs goalies are finalists for the Mike Richter Trophy.

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