Overview
- On Monday, Rielly returned from a viral illness, skated in a full practice and was paired with new acquisition Darren Raddysh as the team ramps up toward the regular season.
- General manager John Chayka said the Leafs explored options over the summer but did not receive a serious trade offer to move Rielly, so he remains on the roster.
- Hiller told reporters he will give the Rielly–Raddysh pairing more offensive-zone starts and occasional shifts with top-six forwards to play to Rielly’s puck-moving strengths.
- Some analysts say Rielly may be most effective in a reduced or situational role, and Rielly has publicly accepted responsibility for his recent dips in performance.
- Training camp battles continue for depth spots, Dakota Joshua is on a return-to-play plan with no guarantee for opening night, and the Leafs play their final preseason games before the Sept. 29 opener.