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The Toronto Maple Leafs Could Learn from Raptors’ Playbook: Time to Consider Trading Morgan Rielly

The Toronto Raptors’ trade of franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan in 2018 was a bold but ultimately championship-winning decision. By taking a calculated risk, then-general manager Bobby Webster transformed a perennial playoff underperformer into an NBA champion. Now, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a similar predicament, stuck in a cycle of playoff disappointment despite having an enviable core of talent. It may be time for Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to follow a similar blueprint and make a significant move—starting with veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly.

The Leafs’ Core and the Playoff Challenge

Over the past seven seasons, the Maple Leafs have relied on a core group of five players: Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly. While each player has contributed significantly, Toronto has yet to break through to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Mitch Marner, who many speculated might be trade bait last summer, has instead elevated his play this season, establishing himself as a Hart Trophy and Frank J. Selke Trophy candidate. Marner has emerged as the Leafs’ most impactful forward, and his return next season seems almost assured. Auston Matthews, the team’s generational talent, is untouchable in trade discussions, while William Nylander’s consistent clutch performances and John Tavares’ age and contract status likely keep them off the table.

That leaves Morgan Rielly as the player who could be the centerpiece of a transformative trade.

Time for a Fresh Start

Rielly, the longest-serving Maple Leaf, has been a stalwart for the franchise since being drafted fourth overall in 2012. However, despite his offensive capabilities, his defensive shortcomings—particularly his struggles with gap control and decision-making—have hindered the team. His role as the power-play quarterback has also drawn criticism, with slow puck movement and questionable shot selection limiting the unit’s effectiveness.

This season, Rielly has seen his status within the defense corps decline. He now sits behind Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe in terms of overall impact, both of whom are signed long-term. With Rielly’s game declining and the team continuing to fall short in critical moments, the case for moving him has grown stronger.

The Challenges of a Rielly Trade

Trading Rielly would be no easy task. The 29-year-old is signed through the 2028-29 season with a $7.5 million annual cap hit and a full no-movement clause. His loyalty to the team and love for the city make such a move even more challenging. However, if the Maple Leafs want to retool their roster for playoff success, parting ways with Rielly may be a necessary step.

Treliving could look to trade Rielly for assets that would help the Leafs acquire a top-four defenseman better suited to their needs. While it would be a difficult and controversial decision, it could be the shake-up Toronto needs to climb past its perennial playoff obstacles.

The Path Forward

Much like the Raptors’ bold gamble in 2018, the Maple Leafs face a critical juncture. With the core group entering their seventh season together, the time to act is now. By considering a trade involving Rielly, Toronto has an opportunity to make a decisive move toward building a team capable of achieving the ultimate goal: winning the Stanley Cup.