NHL insider believes Maple Leafs will trade Morgan Rielly

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

NHL insider believes Maple Leafs will trade Morgan Rielly

By Manuel Meza | Last updated Jul 4, 2026 10:27 PM ET

The future of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly continues to be the subject of speculation.

The latest to weigh in on the situation was NHL insider David Pagnotta, who said that the 32-year-old defenseman will be traded by the Maple Leafs.

Speaking with Jeff Marek on "The Sheet" on Saturday, Pagnotta said the question is not whether Rielly will be traded, but when.

"I was told after we left the studio on Wednesday that it's a matter of when, not if, he's gonna get traded. And the when is the biggest question mark because there is no timeline," Pagnotta said.

The insider added that the Canadian franchise is prepared to begin the season with Rielly on its roster. Even so, Pagnotta said the organization’s preference would be to trade him before then, reiterating that, sooner or later, the defenseman will be wearing a different jersey.

"It's a matter of when, not if, he's going to get traded."@TheFourthPeriod and @JeffMarek discuss Morgan Rielly's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs#LeafsForever | @TLNdc pic.twitter.com/etl8S90NzP
— The Sheet with Jeff Marek (@thesheethockey) July 4, 2026

Morgan Rielly's list of preferred destinations

In June, Darren Dreger reported that Rielly’s agent, J.P. Barry, had submitted a list of four Western Conference teams that his client would be willing to join.

Even so, no further details have emerged since then, and Rielly’s next destination remains a mystery.

The 32-year-old defenseman recently completed the fourth season of his eight-year contract with the Maple Leafs. The deal carries a $7.5 million cap hit and is worth $60 million in total.

During the 2025-26 season, Rielly appeared in 78 games, scoring 11 goals and adding 25 assists for a total of 36 points.

Manuel Meza

Manuel Meza is a sports journalist specializing in soccer (MLS, Liga MX, European leagues) and the NHL. With a writing career launched in 2020, he has contributed to industry leaders like Sports Illustrated, GRV Media, and Roundtable Sports. He is dedicated to providing news and analysis for Yardbarker's audience.

More must-reads: