Maple Leafs Unlikely to Request Trade List from Veteran Defenseman Morgan Rielly

Reports indicate that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka and adviser Mats Sundin have no immediate plans to ask long‑time defenseman Morgan Rielly for a list of acceptable trade destinations. Rielly, under contract through 2029‑30 with a $7.5 million cap hit and a full no‑trade clause, posted a career‑low 11 goals and 36 points in the 2025‑26 season, prompting speculation about a possible move, though any decision would be evaluated case‑by‑case. The San Jose Sharks have been mentioned as a potential destination that could accommodate his salary.

Meanwhile, prospect Ben Danford, a 20‑year‑old defenseman playing for the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate the Toronto Marlies in the Calder Cup final, said his goal is to earn a spot on the NHL roster next season. Drafted 31st overall in 2024, Danford’s development is seen as a way to ease the burden on an aging Leafs defensive corps, where six players are at least 29 and four are 32 or older.