Morgan Rielly expects to remain with Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has expressed his intention to remain with the team, despite previous trade speculation earlier this summer. Speaking at a charity event, Rielly indicated he expects to be playing for the Maple Leafs through the 2026-27 season, noting that he considers Toronto home.

Following a difficult 2025-26 season where he recorded 36 points and a -18 rating, Rielly stated that his offseason training has been strong and that he feels motivated to bounce back. While earlier reports suggested he had provided a list of potential Western Conference trade destinations to his agent, Rielly emphasized his excitement for the upcoming campaign and the team's recent additions.

However, the veteran defenseman faces scrutiny from fans and analysts. Some supporters have expressed skepticism regarding his renewed confidence following his recent dip in performance, while NHL analyst Bryan Hayes warned that if Rielly's form does not improve, he could become an “untradeable asset” for the organization.