The Maple Leafs: Good, Bad, and the Morgan Rielly Question

I've always had a soft spot for Morgan Rielly. He's been a Toronto Maple Leafs stalwart through many good times and some pretty difficult ones, and I've always appreciated the heart he brings to the game. He's been part of this organization for years, and there's something to be said for a player who’s stuck around and worn the jersey through it all.

That said, being a Rielly supporter doesn't mean we have to pretend everything is fine. This season’s early numbers raise legitimate questions, particularly about his defensive play. In six games, Rielly had four assists, which is a pretty good offensive start. But he also had seven giveaways, six of them in his own zone. The early underlying numbers have been concerning, too, with Toronto giving up more expected goals than it generates when he's on the ice. That's worth watching.

Morgan Rielly Deserves Patience, But Not a Free Pass.

Here's where I think we need to be careful. Six games aren't enough to decide that a player has suddenly become a problem the Maple Leafs can't solve. Hockey is a team game, defensive pairings need time to settle, and a team's style can affect the numbers individual players produce. Coach Jim Hiller has already shuffled his defensive combinations, including pairing Rielly with Darren Raddysh. That tells us the coaching staff is looking for answers, but it doesn't necessarily mean Rielly is the only problem.

Still, the concerns won’t disappear just because Rielly has a long history with the organization. He's earning $7.5 million a season, and the Maple Leafs need more than offensive contributions from a defenceman carrying that kind of cap hit. They need someone who can move the puck, defend the rush, make good decisions under pressure, and help keep opposing forwards away from the goaltender. That's a big part of the job.

Given the Positive Changes in How the Maple Leafs Play, Rielly Could Fit Well.

I don't think we need to jump straight to trade talk or buyout speculation, either. Rielly has a no-movement clause, and any decision about his future would involve more than looking at six games of statistics. The bigger question is whether he can give Toronto the reliable two-way game it needs over a longer stretch.

I'm not ready to write Rielly off. But I'm not ready to wave away the concerns, either. He's earned respect for what he's done in Toronto, not a free pass for what happens next. I'd like to see him settle down defensively, make better decisions with the puck, and remind us why he's been such an important part of this team.

Let's give him some time. Just don't ask us to stop watching closely.