Morgan Rielly has spent 13 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, making him the longest-tenured player with the organization.
The Leafs’ roster underwent major changes after missing the playoffs last season, with Toronto adding a new starting netminder in Sergei Bobrovsky, landing No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, and signing free-agent defenseman Darren Raddysh, among other moves.
The organizational overhaul also included naming a new general manager in John Chayka and a new head coach in Jim Hiller, while Rielly’s own future became uncertain amid months of trade speculation heading into the offseason.
Speaking Wednesday at Hockey Night in Brampton, Rielly made it clear what he expects for his short-term future while still a member of the Leafs.
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“That’s what I would expect,” Rielly said when asked if he anticipates still being a Maple Leaf for the opener. “For me, it’s just trying to stay focused and be present. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Rielly also revealed that a conversation with Chayka after the 2026 IIHF World Championship in May helped shape his outlook.
“We had a good conversation after the Worlds, and he’s got a plan,” Rielly explained. “He’s very direct, and as a player, that’s what you want.”
The veteran defenseman added that he remains comfortable in Toronto despite all the offseason noise around his name, per NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy.
“It’s not as hard as it seems,” Rielly said. “I feel very lucky to have great people around me. I’ve been training really hard, and I feel grateful to be a part of this organization. I think there’s great things ahead.”
Rielly scored 11 goals and 36 points in 78 games last season, his lowest point total since the shortened 2021 season, where he appeared in 55 games.
The blueliner has four years remaining on his eight-year, $60 million contract at a $7.5 million annual cap hit, and his deal includes a no-movement clause, giving him control over any potential move outside of Toronto.
