Rielly's Future Under the Microscope

The Toronto Maple Leafs' offseason has been dominated by questions about Morgan Rielly's long-term role with the team. The veteran defenseman, who has four years left on his current contract according to Heavy., has been the subject of considerable trade speculation, though he remains on the roster.

Maple Leafs insider Jay Rosehill, speaking on a podcast, did not mince words about Rielly's recent form. Rosehill said he saw Rielly get "exposed" and caught out of position multiple times last season, resulting in goals against. "I thought Rielly just constantly looked exposed, out of position, panicking and scrambling," Rosehill said. "Oftentimes in that league this day and age, at that position as a defenseman, your mistakes are exposed, and they're highlighted and they're crucial. And when Morgan Rielly was making mistakes, oftentimes it ended up in the back of the net."

Nick Alberga, Rosehill's co-host, offered a more uncertain assessment, saying, "I don't know what Morgan Rielly is at this point in his career, even from a deployment standpoint." Both insiders suggested that Rielly's defensive limitations have become more pronounced, raising doubts about his fit within the Maple Leafs' blue line.

Rielly himself struck a more optimistic tone, telling The Toronto Star, "It's been a great off-season... I'm feeling really confident." The 30-year-old has been a staple of the Leafs' defense, but the critiques raise questions about how the team plans to deploy him moving forward.

The Ekman-Larsson Alternative

Rosehill pointed to Oliver Ekman-Larsson as a player who outperformed Rielly last season. "I was partial to Oliver Ekman-Larsson last year over Morgan Rielly for sure," he said. Ekman-Larsson's strong play last season — where he scored eight goals and 31 assists for 39 points in 78 games, averaging 20:35 time on ice — has led Rosehill to advocate for the Swedish defenseman to receive increased opportunities under new head coach Jim Hiller.

"He just popped off and had a phenomenal season and kind of looked like a guy that was earlier in his career…in a much younger OEL, he was really solid," Rosehill said. "So hopefully, when guys do that, you just forget about them and assume they're just going to do that forever. We'll see if that's the case or not."

Hiller, who is taking over as head coach, will face the challenge of integrating these veterans while also managing younger talent seeking more ice time. The coaching change could herald a shift in defensive assignments.

A Smarter Role for Rielly?

While Rielly's defensive shortcomings have been highlighted, some analysts suggest the Maple Leafs could find a new role for him rather than moving on. The Hockey Writers explores the idea of using Rielly as an offensive winger in certain situations, drawing a comparison to Dustin Byfuglien, who transitioned from defenseman to forward and back during his career.

This would be a creative solution, acknowledging that Rielly's strength lies in his ability to move the puck and generate offense. Rather than forcing him to play a traditional defensive game, the team could utilize his skills in a more favorable position. The article notes that such a move would not be unprecedented, as Byfuglien enjoyed success in both roles with the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets.

Cowan's Contract Dilemma

The organization is also facing questions about young forward Easton Cowan. The Hockey Writers suggests that Cowan could become too expensive if the Maple Leafs delay deciding on his future. The article highlights how the Montreal Canadiens, under general manager Kent Hughes, have proactively signed young players to long-term deals before they reach their full earning potential. Players like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, and Ivan Demidov were all locked up early.

This approach contrasts with the Maple Leafs' historical pattern of paying established stars after they prove their value. The article argues that a more aggressive contract strategy could provide Toronto with cost certainty and flexibility, though it acknowledges the inherent risks of making such commitments before a player's development is complete.

Perspectives

Insider Criticism of Rielly: Jay Rosehill and Nick Alberga argue that Rielly's defensive play has been a liability, and they advocate for a reduced role or even a change in position.

Rielly's Confidence: Morgan Rielly, speaking to The Toronto Star, expresses confidence in his preparation and abilities entering the new season.

Strategic Roster Building: The Hockey Writers argues for a more proactive approach to managing contracts and player roles, citing the Canadiens' methods and suggesting creative solutions like moving Rielly to wing.