Toronto Maple Leafs are considering trading Morgan Rielly after a disappointing 2025-26 season (Image via Imagn Images)
As trade speculations continue to float around the Toronto Maple Leafs, alternate captain Morgan Rielly has come under scrutiny following the team’s disappointing season, and the veteran blueliner has now opened up publicly about the possibility of a trade this offseason.Speaking during end-of-season media availability, Rielly acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the organization and spoke about the early exit this season, marking a sharp decline in performance from the past season.Since Auston Matthews’ name has already been dominating the trade rumor list, players like Matthew Knies and Morgan Reilly have also gained traction after a disappointing season in 2025-26.
Let’s take a look at what Morgan Reilly had to say about the trade speculation.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Reilly opens up about the possibility of a trade this offseason
After the disappointing 2025-26 Maple Leafs season, Morgan Reilly has opened up about the possibility of a trade this offseason and his uncertain future with the organization. He has also spoken about their major on-ice failure that led to their early exit before the NHL playoffs.When he was asked directly during a media interaction about whether he would be open to being traded, Reilly did not shut the door entirely but made it clear that his priority remains with Toronto.
The defenseman said, “I’ve always loved being in Toronto and being a part of this organization. It is very meaningful to me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” He further added, “I’ve always wanted to stay. I still want to stay. I love playing here and being a Maple Leaf. This organization means a lot to me.”
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Morgan Rielly | End of Season Media Availability | April 16, 2026
Morgan Reilly also did not shy away from discussing the changes the team is currently going through. He added that change is bound to happen after a very disappointing season, and as an athlete you need to be prepared to face it. “It is a challenging thing to answer when those conversations haven’t happened yet. After a year like this, after any year, but especially after one that was very disappointing, change is bound to happen. As an athlete, you have to be prepared for that,” he added.The veteran blueliner also said the team needs to improve a lot many things, and it is tough to put your finger on one thing.It is to be noted that Reilly has four more years left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.5 million and a full no-movement clause for the next two seasons.
His trade has neither been decided yet by the team nor has the player dropped any hints so far, but according to predictions, the club might decide this offseason.The Leafs’ 32-36-14 collapse exposed their goaltending issues and defensive woes, prompting a major reset. This shows that after Toronto’s underwhelming season, pressure on the management to reassess the team has intensified, adding fuel to the trade speculations and changes within the organization.
