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The Toronto media has really begun to embrace the idea of the Maple Leafs trading Morgan Rielly to a Western Conference team in exchange for a versatile center with term.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs look to rebound after two consecutive losses, they may be in need of a shake-up, and with the deadline looming, the timing couldn't be better.
One player frequently mentioned in trade talks is long-tenured Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. The soon to be 31-year-old has had a tough season, with his role diminished and a troubling minus-16 rating in 50 games. Despite the Leafs sitting atop the Atlantic Division, Rielly's performance has raised concerns.
One trade proposal that has been gaining traction over the past month suggests a swap between the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs, which features the Leafs sending Rielly to B.C. in exchange for feisty forward J.T. Miller.
According to Nick Kypreos on @FAN590 via X:
'You flip Morgan for J.T. Miller. They're roughly half a million dollars difference off the salary cap, roughly the same age and they have the same amount of years on their contract left, which is 5 years. Morgan is gonna say no to a lot of teams, but going home to British Columbia may be the one team Morgan would say yes to.'
In addition to his poor play this season, one reason Rielly might be on the move is his struggle to adapt to a new system under his new coach, Craig Berube.
Former Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau commented on Rielly's performance this season during an appearance on Leafs Morning Take, further perpetuating the idea that the Leafs should move him:
'I do think Morgan is a problem. He hasn't changed the way he's played, and hasn't changed his style to the way Craig Berube wants to play.'
With Rielly's future in Toronto becoming more uncertain, a return to his home province of British Columbia could be appealing, both for personal and professional reasons.
A trade to the Vancouver Canucks makes sense, especially since J.T. Miller has also been the subject of trade rumors. Miller, who scored over 100 points just last season, has struggled this year with only 9 goals and 34 points in 39 games.
Miller's issues extend beyond his on-ice performance. He's been the subject of locker room chatter, with reports of multiple disagreements among teammates and a reported rift with Elias Pettersson. It seems a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs.
Both Rielly and Miller are talented players who are experiencing down years. The Canucks could certainly benefit from adding a reliable second-pairing defenseman, while the Leafs are in need of a center. A trade like this could make sense for both teams, helping them address their respective needs.
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