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Maple Leafs Actively Exploring Trade Options for Morgan Rielly

John Chayka’s front-office reset signals the club may use Rielly’s contract to free salary and retool Toronto’s defense.

Overview

  • Reporting Friday said Toronto’s new regime has begun actively shopping Morgan Rielly and that the player is aware he may be presented with trade options.
  • Rielly carries about $30 million remaining over four seasons with a $7.5 million annual cap hit, a fact that makes salary retention and cap fit central to any deal.
  • He still holds a no-movement clause reported to last two more years, which gives him control over a move unless he agrees to waive it.
  • Rielly has publicly said he wants to stay in Toronto but acknowledged he might need to consider waiving his no-movement clause after a tough season.
  • Analysts note Rielly has shown on-ice regression, especially in skating, but he retains offensive puck skills and leadership value that make him a viable target for teams if Toronto receives acceptable offers and uses salary retention to facilitate a trade.