Morgan Rielly Could Be Playing Final Home Game for Maple Leafs

Morgan Rielly is preparing for what could be his final home game in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform as the team hosts the Dallas Stars on Monday. The veteran defenseman is in the final year of his contract and has been linked to trade rumors throughout the season. With the Leafs expected to make significant roster changes this offseason, the atmosphere around the team has shifted, and Rielly is aware of the possibility that his tenure in Toronto may soon come to an end.

Rielly, who was selected second overall by the Leafs in the 2014 draft, has spent his entire 10-season NHL career in Toronto. He has played 685 regular-season games for the team, averaging 21:30 of ice time per game over the past three seasons. This year, he has recorded 43 points (9 goals, 34 assists) in 62 games, ranking among the top defensemen in scoring for the Leafs.

“I mean, it’s crossed my mind before,” Rielly said when asked about the potential of playing his last home game. “All athletes have that. At some point, they think about that, and so you know again, tonight’s no different than that.”

Head coach Craig Berube was asked what being a Maple Leaf means to Rielly and responded, “Everything.” Berube continued, “He’s been here a long time and he loves it here. I don’t think he can think about being anywhere else personally after being drafted here and playing here this long and this many games.”

Rielly has always expressed his desire to remain in Toronto. “My desire to stay in Toronto is always going to be there,” he said earlier this week. “There are a number of reasons, but a big one is loyalty.”

Matthew Knies, a teammate, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m sure it means a lot for him to be here and be a part of that many games.”

Despite his strong feelings for the organization, the Leafs are expected to have conversations with Rielly this offseason. With the salary cap tight and the team looking to reshape its defense, his future remains uncertain.

The Leafs are currently sixth in the Atlantic Division with 89 points, and the Stars are 10th in the Central with 86. The game will be a key matchup as both teams jockey for playoff positioning.

Rielly added, “It can be a grind on the team’s not playing well because you’re losing games, you know, which is the most important thing around here, so you know those challenges always come from within.”

The Maple Leafs will look to end the regular season strong as they prepare for the playoffs. The next step for Rielly is a potential trade discussion with the Leafs, which is expected to begin in the coming weeks as the trade deadline approaches on April 18.