Maple Leafs could trade $60M Defenseman Morgan Rielly before 2026-27 season

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not revealed what the next move for Morgan Rielly is, but credible NHL insiders are reporting that a trade could occur prior to the 2026-27 season. The veteran defenseman is still one of the biggest names connected to offseason movement.Rielly is still under contract with Toronto, and any trade would require his approval because of his full no-movement clause. However, recent reports suggest the organization is still considering trade scenarios, and expects a big return if a deal is struck.Morgan Rielly and Toronto Maple Leafs NHL trade rumors latest updatesLatest word is that league insiders still believe Morgan Rielly is likely to be traded before the 2026-27 NHL season, though no deal appears close.He still thinks the expectation around the league is that Toronto will eventually move Rielly, NHL insider Chris Johnston said recently. But Johnston also was clear the reports of the defenseman already agreeing to waive his no-movement clause are false.The 32-year-old defenseman has five years left on his eight-year, $60 million contract with an annual cap hit of $7.5 million. Any potential trade would require Rielly’s approval, however, as he has a full no-movement clause.CategoryDetailsPlayerMorgan RiellyCurrent TeamToronto Maple LeafsPositionDefensemanShootsLeftHeight6 ft 1 in (185 cm)NationalityCanadianBirthplaceVancouver, British Columbia, CanadaAgeBorn on March 9, 1994 (32 years old)NHL Draft InformationSelected 5th overall in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs.Junior TeamDeveloped with the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) after playing minor hockey for the Notre Dame Hounds.NHL ExperienceEntering his 14th NHL season, having spent his entire career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.Contract StatusSigned through the 2029-30 season on an eight-year, $60 million contract with a $7.5 million AAV and a full no-movement clause.Current Trade SituationWidely viewed as one of the NHL's most notable trade candidates, although no deal has been completed.No-Movement ClauseAny trade would require Morgan Rielly's approval because of his full no-movement clause.2025-26 NHL SeasonRecorded 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points in 78 regular-season games.Career NHL StatisticsHas appeared in 951 regular-season NHL games, totaling 98 goals, 451 assists and 549 points.Teams Linked to Trade InterestPhiladelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and potentially the Anaheim Ducks have been connected to Rielly through insider reports.Why Teams Are InterestedRielly offers veteran leadership, offensive puck-moving ability, playoff experience, and top-four defensive value.Playing StyleKnown for strong skating, offensive instincts, transition play, puck movement, and power-play contributions.Toronto Maple Leafs' Reported PositionThe Maple Leafs are reportedly not looking to move Rielly solely for salary-cap relief and are expected to seek meaningful assets in return.Key Insider UpdatesChris Johnston, David Pagnotta, and Jim Biringer have all reported that a Rielly trade remains a realistic possibility before the 2026-27 season.Biggest Trade ObstacleHis full no-movement clause limits potential destinations and gives Rielly complete control over whether a trade can happen.Potential OutcomeToronto could retain Rielly if no suitable trade emerges, or complete a deal if both the player and another club approve acceptable terms.League-Wide ImpactMorgan Rielly's situation has become one of the NHL offseason's biggest trade rumors, with his future expected to influence the defense market before the 2026-27 season.How are Morgan Rielly and Toronto Maple Leafs trade rumors developingNHL insider David Pagnotta has reported the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins are among the teams interested in acquiring Morgan Rielly. The Anaheim Ducks have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot if Toronto is looking to make a trade.Reports indicate the Maple Leafs aren’t simply attempting to clear salary cap space. Instead, it is assumed management will be eager to land some tangible assets if the franchise deals one of its longest-tenured players.Why does Morgan Rielly future matter for Toronto Maple LeafsMorgan Rielly has played his entire NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, appearing in over 950 regular-season games as one of the club's veteran leaders. His future could also impact the defensive configuration and offseason approach for Toronto as it looks to 2026-27.There’s no confirmed timeline, but league insiders continue to refer to the situation as a matter of when, not if. Trade speculation will remain one of the biggest NHL offseason news stories as long as Rielly hasn’t made up his mind if he’d accept a trade and the Leafs haven’t received an offer they’re happy with.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.