Why Do the Maple Leafs Miss Morgan Rielly So Much?

Although Morgan Rielly has been criticized over the past few seasons for not being a very good defenceman, there was a lot of offseason talk about asking him to waive his no-trade clause so they could move him. Sort of like Darnell Nurse and that situation with the Edmonton Oilers.

When Rielly started the season, he played particularly well, which surprised many people. Now that he's missing, the team misses him. They've been able to put other defencemen in his place, but they haven't been able to produce the same kind of offence that he has. They're losing someone who can make other players better and move the puck, and that's exactly what this team needs: a puck-moving defenceman.

The Maple Leafs Are Struggling to Fill Rielly’s Role.

Without him in the lineup, the team will have to rely on other players to take on bigger roles. Rielly is now day-to-day with the lower-body injury he sustained against the Montreal Canadiens. He's already missed games against the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild. Before he got hurt, he had 12 assists in 18 games. That's not a bad set of statistics for a blue-liner.

In his place, they're playing Dakota Mermis, who's been reliable but not nearly as good as Rielly. Why are the Maple Leafs missing Rielly so much? It isn't just because he's one of their top defencemen, but also because of what he brings to the offence. His 12 assists in 18 games before the lower-body injury made him a valuable, reliable player. His blue-line playmaking helps the Maple Leafs move the puck up ice and create chances, so replacing him isn't easy. He also knows how to jump into the play and has his own offensive touch.

The Maple Leafs Miss Rielly’s Experience and Skill.

Mermis can fill the spot, but the Maple Leafs have to adjust without Rielly's experience and his offensive touch. Right now, he's listed as day-to-day, so the big question is when he'll return. Until then, the Maple Leafs need other defencemen to help fill the void.

Rielly is a strong player. It'll be good to have him back and producing at the level he showed at the beginning of the season.