Report: Maple Leafs to trade Morgan Rielly

Expect some big roster changes for the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, and it starts with defenceman Morgan Rielly.

The longest-tenured Maple Leaf has been all over the place this season, and has been one of the many reasons Toronto hasn't reached expectations. Rielly's inconsistent play defensively has led to several turning points in games, and with a much needed culture change on deck for the Maple Leafs, reports have surfaced stating the team is ready to move on.

Nick Kypreos: Re Morgan Rielly: Many industry sources believe the Leafs will still be looking at options to move on from their longest-tenured player - Sportsnet (4/3)

Rielly's under contract through the 2030 season at $7.5 million AAV, and while he's never been asked to waive his no-movement clause, he's going to be asked for a list of teams once the new general manager is hired. CEO Keith Pelley wants change and Rielly's been internally identified as someone who needs to go.

The mobile blueliner has appeared in 73 games this season, scoring 10 goals and 35 points. Rielly's averaging 21:12 of ice-time per game, and has landed 31 hits and blocked 107 shots so far this season. The Maple Leafs need to reshape their blueline and the top of their priority list is someone who can run a power play, something Rielly's struggled at for years.

Rielly's lost a step and while he's certainly a serviceable middle-pair defender, the Maple Leafs need a top-line d-man, who can quarterback their power play, so moving Rielly's $7.5 million cap hit would do wonders.

Rielly won't be the only Maple Leaf shipped out this summer, as the team is expected to explore trades around Max Domi, Simon Benoit, Nick Robertson, and Anthony Stolarz.