NHL Trade Rumors: Morgan Rielly Provides Maple Leafs List of Teams

Morgan Rielly is becoming more and more aware that his days as a Toronto Maple Leaf are numbered.

Rielly and John Chayka met recently and there's speculation brewing that Chayka admitted he felt a change of scenery could be best for the longest-tenured Maple Leaf, and Rielly agreed to submit a list of teams he's be interested in.

Rielly's signed through the 2029-30 season at $7.5 million AAV, and owns a full no-movement clause until the 2028 season. Rielly's fallen out of favor in Toronto and last season clearly became the scape goat. Not only was he frustrating to the fan base, there was even something brewing within the dressing room. John Tavares, William Nylander and Auston Matthews all asked for changes on the Leafs' blueline during their exit interviews, however, nothing's been specifically reported it was a shot at Rielly.

As far as potential trade destinations go, the San Jose Sharks continue to be atop the list. The Sharks need to add salary, they have plenty of trade assets to dangle, and they're one of the best up-and-coming teams in the league, so they're very appealing to onlooking players. The Edmonton Oilers and Maple Leafs discussed a Darnell Nurse for Rielly trade last season, but word is Chayka isn't interested in Nurse as much as Brad Treliving was.

Two other teams to keep an eye on are the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks. Rielly would be open to moving back west on a permanent basis and uproot his young family. As much as things haven't worked out on the ice in Toronto, Rielly and his family have had nothing but amazing things to say about living in Toronto, and all the offerings the diverse culture includes.

For now, Rielly's a Maple Leaf, but don't expect that to be the case within a month's time.

Photo credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images