Maple Leafs veteran advised to consider leaving amid free fall

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has been urged to take control of his situation and consider a change amid the team's crisis.

TSN's Craig Button compared Rielly's situation, at 31, to what Seth Jones experienced in late February 2025, when he moved from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Florida Panthers at his own request.

"I'm going to use a recent example. You handle it like the Chicago Blackhawks handled Seth Jones," Button said.

"Morgan Rielly may need to take initiative and say, 'A change is going to benefit everybody here, the organization, and me.' Seth took control of his situation, saying, 'Hey, I need a change.' I'm not saying Morgan should say that exactly, but being honest with himself and the team would help the process move forward."

Morgan Rielly's game slipping as Maple Leafs continue free fall

Things continue not to fully improve for Toronto, and Rielly is one of those singled out for his level. On Monday, the Leafs lost their fourth straight game, 3-2, to the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout.

Although there was a visible improvement in the game, especially in physical strength and overall control, it was not enough, and the franchise continues to free-fall, moving further and further away from real contention to qualify for the playoffs. The 27-24-10 Maple Leafs are seven points back of the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot.

Although generally, defensemen improve with age by skating less and thinking more, Rielly seems to be going in reverse.

The veteran suddenly gets lost in plays and instead of staying in his place and closing off spaces, he is seen running behind the puck, leaving gaps that rivals take advantage of.

Rielly knows how to move well and has offensive talent, but he is falling far short in the essential task of a defenseman. A change seems to be the ideal answer for all parties.