NHL Insider ‘Can’t Rule Out’ Maple Leafs Trading $60 Million Star

"I think it’s unlikely, but I can’t rule it out entirely because I do believe the Leafs have to look at everything," Johnston said on "The Chris Johnston Show". "We are past the point of everything stays the same.

"But in Rielly's case, he has a full no-movement clause. They would have to satisfy that, and I think he performs an important function on the team."

Johnston went on to stress that Rielly’s value to Toronto’s blue line remains high, especially offensively.

“They already lack some offensive flair on their blue line,” Johnston said. “I don’t know how you replace his offensive minutes and his ability to get the puck up to the skilled forwards they (have).”

Rielly, who has spent his entire 12-year career with the Maple Leafs, has four seasons remaining on an eight-year, $60 million contract signed in 2021. 

The deal includes a full no-movement clause, which means any trade would require Rielly's approval. 

"I think (a trade) is a low-percentage thing," Johnston said. "I don’t think he’s in any mind to move, and I don’t know how you are getting better while removing him from the equation.

"But I will acknowledge, it's high past time in Toronto to at least consider some big changes."

When asked directly after the Leafs' elimination if he’d consider waiving the NMC, Rielly dismissed the idea.

"That’s not what I’m thinking about right now," Rielly said after the Leafs' elimination. "Every offseason is different. As a player, I think sometimes it’s best not to speculate on what may or may not happen."