Toronto Maple Leafs
· 2026-06-24
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly's future is uncertain after his agent submitted a list of four Western Conference teams he'd consider joining.
The list, reported by TSN analyst Darren Dreger, includes teams Rielly is willing to join, with San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks emerging as potential destinations.
Rielly endured a tough 2025-26 campaign, recording 11 goals and 25 assists in 78 games with a career-worst minus-18 rating.
The 32-year-old still has four years remaining on his contract, carrying a $7.5 million cap hit through 2029-30.
San Jose Sharks have significant cap space and a young core, while Anaheim Ducks are closer to contention with rising stars like Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson.
Both teams could benefit from adding an experienced puck-moving defenseman like Rielly.
The Sharks improved to 86 points last season and could use Rielly's support for their developing roster.
If Toronto commits to a youth-focused retool, moving Rielly could accelerate the transition, especially after winning the first overall pick and preparing to draft Gavin McKenna.
Acquiring Rielly would add leadership and playoff experience to teams like San Jose or Anaheim, aiming to take the next step.
Rielly has spent 13 seasons with Toronto since being selected fifth overall in 2012, becoming one of the defining players of the franchise's modern era.
The Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division with a 32-36-14 record, allowing 299 goals and undergoing sweeping front-office changes.