Trade talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and veteran defenceman Morgan Rielly are advancing rapidly, with his agent providing a list of four preferred trade destinations. A source confirmed Wednesday morning that Rielly's agent, J.P. Barry, has submitted a list of four Western Conference teams to Leafs general manager John Chayka. The list could expand if necessary, but negotiations are expected to be methodical and may take several days to finalize. TSN's Darren Dreger first reported the development Tuesday night.
Rielly Did Not Request a Trade
Importantly, Rielly did not initiate the trade request. With four years remaining on an eight-year, $7.5 million annual average value contract signed in October 2021, the 32-year-old defenceman would have preferred to finish his career in Toronto. However, both sides recognized that a change of scenery might be best given the team's new direction under Chayka, president Mats Sundin, and head coach Jim Hiller.
Why the Leafs Are Moving On
The Leafs have already begun reshaping the roster, trading goaltender Joseph Woll and acquiring offensive defenceman Darren Raddysh last week. Rielly's performance has declined in recent seasons, and the team missed the playoffs in 2025-26. Despite leading the Leafs in minutes played for eight of his 13 seasons, including a six-year stretch from 2018 to 2024, Rielly struggled last season. His full no-movement clause remains in effect for the next two years, but he has agreed to waive it for the right trade.
Rielly's Legacy in Toronto
Rielly is seventh on the Leafs' all-time games played list with 951, just 237 behind franchise leader George Armstrong (1,188). He would have needed to average 59 games per season over the next four years to set the record. Rielly was selected fifth overall in the 2012 NHL Draft and has been a durable, consistent presence on the blue line. In April, he acknowledged change was coming: "After a year like this, change is bound to happen. As an athlete, you have to be prepared for that. Not the first time it has crossed my mind. I've always wanted to stay. I still want to stay. I love being a Maple Leaf."
Potential Trade Destinations
The specific teams on Rielly's list have not been officially confirmed, but speculation includes the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, and possibly the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers' hiring of Mike Babcock and D.J. Smith, both familiar with Rielly from their time in Toronto, could facilitate a deal. However, a one-for-one swap for Darnell Nurse, who has a $9.25 million AAV through age 35, seems unlikely given his own struggles. Rielly's hometown Vancouver Canucks finished last overall in 2025-26 and are not considered a contender, making a trade there improbable.
What the Leafs Can Expect in Return
The Leafs are not in a position of strength in these negotiations and should temper expectations for a significant return. They are likely looking at acquiring draft picks and possibly a depth player rather than a star in exchange for Rielly. If no trade materializes, Rielly was open to attending training camp in September, despite the potential awkwardness.
