One of the best teams in the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs, are anticipated to make additions before the trade deadline.
But according to NHL analyst Stephen Nixon of EditorinLeaf, Toronto might be able to make some cuts to their roster. Nixon thinks that top defenseman Morgan Rielly should be traded to the Maple Leafs.
Nixon commented, “I don’t think Rielly isn’t a top-four defenseman, nor do I hate him.” However, I see him as the third-best defenseman on a Stanley Cup club. And regrettably, given his pay, you really can’t afford to assign him to that position unless you trade someone of Tavares’ or Marner’s salary, which isn’t going to happen this year.
“As of right now, the only way to improve their defence is to trade their highest-paid defenseman,” Nixon continued. “Perhaps they come off the books this summer and the Leafs heavily rely on defensemen in free agency or via trade.”
Rielly is currently in the third year of a $60 million, eight-year contract. It has also been difficult for him to play on the top power play. Nixon feels that in order to use that money to sign an impact player, the Maple Leafs must move past Rielly and his cap hit.
It feels like they’re staring at a brand-new Ferrari with a three-cylinder engine, so I firmly believe it’s time for the Leafs to take a closer look at what they have with Rielly. Although it would be a devastating blow to the fan base, if executed well, this kind of move might be remembered as the impetus for a championship. Nixon came to the conclusion that he would waive his no-movement rule.
In 45 games this season, Rielly has scored five goals and provided fifteen assists for a total of twenty points.
Rielly isn’t playing well enough, according to an analyst.
Nixon’s play is a major factor in his belief that Rielly should be dealt along with his cap.
Rielly hasn’t lived up to the expectations of being an impact offensive defenceman. Nixon also has a problem with his terrible power play.
Nixon said, “Rielly has had acceptable point totals throughout his career, finishing with 50-plus points on four occasions, including a 72-point campaign in 2018-19.” However, the goal contribution hasn’t been too strong. Rielly has only scored 85 goals in 834 games over his career. He’s only scoring seven goals a season on average right now, in his 12th season. For the kind of player he should be, that simply isn’t good enough.
“If you look at the NHL, the best defensemen on every other team—Cale Makar, Roman Josi, Quinn Hughes, Aaron Ekblad, Adam Fox, Evan Bouchard, and Victor Hedman—contribute on the power play. However, Rielly doesn’t, and he earns the same salary as Ekblad.”
Rielly was chosen fifth overall in 2012 and has played for the Maple Leafs his whole NHL career.
Impact Defenseman Returns to the Maple Leafs
Jake McCabe, an impact defenseman, is anticipated to return to Toronto’s starting lineup on January 16.
After practice, McCabe, who hasn’t played since January 5, says the coach decides whether or not he plays.
“I’m not going to make any decisions for the coach because that’s his decision,” McCabe stated.
Craig Berube, the head coach of the Maple Leafs, said McCabe is on the right track and had a nice session.
He had a good practice, in my opinion. He had a good appearance. About McCabe, Berube remarked, “We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”
On January 16, the Maple Leafs play the New Jersey Devils.
