Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly celebrates at the bench after scoring a goal (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)

Reports Link Maple Leafs’ Rielly to Sharks

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Spencer Lazary | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 8:35 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have some big decisions to make over the next few weeks leading up to the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline. One of the biggest decisions they will need to make is on defenceman Morgan Rielly. And, while he likely won’t be traded at the deadline, the Maple Leafs will need to figure out a way to move on from him this offseason.

In a recent report from HockeyBuzz, they explained that a source close to the writer suggested the San Jose Sharks are one of the teams interested in Rielly. Obviously, his contract clause limits the Maple Leafs from pushing through a trade. However, he could welcome a change after how the past two seasons have gone, and additionally, how this season has unfolded as a team. So, let’s examine their report and determine whether or not it makes sense.

Sharks Linked to Rielly

As mentioned above, the Sharks have been linked to Rielly by HockeyBuzz, which has been known for being correct on some reports. One that the writer was right on was the Maple Leafs acquiring Matt Murray from the Ottawa Senators back in 2022. So, despite asking around Sharks writers and being told they haven’t heard anything, something about the idea of San Jose being linked to Rielly makes a lot of sense.

According to the report, the Sharks have expressed interest in Rielly. However, at this time, no names have been exchanged and Rielly has yet to be informed. Here’s what the author, Jay T, said:

According to my source, the Sharks have formally expressed interest in Rielly to the Leafs organization. The request was to circle back when Toronto is ready to pull the trigger on moving the defender. It is my understanding that, at this time, no specific names have been exchanged, and Rielly has not yet been approached regarding a potential move. However, in the NHL, situations remain fluid.

If these reports are true, it likely happens as early as the offseason. That could create a huge culture shift within the organization. First, they would need to find the return, which could include a reunion with Timothy Liljegren, as well as a mid-tier draft pick. Secondly, they would need to figure out what they are going to do with his $7.5 million cap hit. Assuming the Sharks take on the full cap hit, that opens up a lot more space for the Maple Leafs, who are already projected to have around $21 million.

If Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, or whoever is running the team in the summer, can find a way to move on from Rielly’s contract, it makes this offseason much more interesting. If that move actually comes to fruition and he ends up in San Jose, the Maple Leafs immediately become one of the top teams to watch heading into free agency. They would have the space to spend and the opportunity to reshape this team in hopes of coming back stronger in 2026-27.