BRAMPTON, ONT. – After a summer full of speculation about his future, does Morgan Rielly expect to return for a 14th season with the Maple Leafs?
“I mean, that’s what I would expect, yeah,” the 32-year-old defenceman said during a media availability at the Hockey Night in Brampton charity event on Wednesday.
Back in June, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported that Rielly’s agent submitted a list of four Western-based teams that he would be willing to waive his no-move clause to go to.
What was it like waiting out an offseason of change in Toronto?
“It’s not as hard as it seems,” Rielly insisted. “I feel very lucky to have great people around me. I’ve just enjoyed the whole offseason. I’ve been training hard. I’m just looking forward to the season and I just feel grateful to be part of this organization and this team. I think there’s great things ahead and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
Rielly is halfway through an eight-year deal, which carries a $7.5-million annual-average value. The Vancouver native produced 36 points in 78 games last season, which marked his lowest points-per game output (0.46) since the 2016-17 season.
Rielly has played all 951 of his NHL games with the Leafs, who picked him fifth overall in 2012. But at the end of last season, the longest-serving player on the team appeared open to the idea of a fresh start.
The Leafs finished fifth last in the NHL last season, which cost both general manager Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube their jobs and led to an organizational makeover.
“Whenever there’s an overhaul after a down year, as players you almost want that,” Rielly said. “You’re excited and driven and motivated to bounce back and play well. Change comes every year, but it can be exciting. So, as a group I think we’re just looking forward to getting going and getting playing and camp’s right around the corner now.”
New general manager John Chayka spoke with Rielly after he returned from representing Canada at the World Championship.
“He’s got a plan and he’s very direct and, as a player, that’s what you want,” Rielly said. “All the conversations with me and with other players have all been positive ... We’re looking forward to camp and what the year holds and we’re all looking forward to getting going.”
Chayka hired Jim Hiller, who was fired by the Los Angeles Kings in March, to take over as head coach in Toronto. Hiller served as an assistant with the Leafs from 2015 to 2019 on the staff led by Mike Babcock.
During his four seasons as an assistant in Toronto, Hiller oversaw a power play, which experienced plenty of regular season success with Rielly quarterbacking the top unit.
“Obviously he’s in a new role this time around so there’s been a lot of new stuff in our conversations but lots of the same too,” Rielly revealed. “There’s trust there that he’s built with the players he had the first time around so that’s helping him and he knows the staff and the guys so I think that’s going to help him out.”
What will also help is the addition of first overall pick Gavin McKenna. Has Rielly spoken with the Penn State product much?
“A bit,” Rielly said with a grin. “I mean, he’s had a lot going on. He’s been a busy guy and obviously with the draft and what that means, going first overall, it’s a pretty cool offseason for him. I expect him to be at camp and flying around and ready to go.”
Rielly was relaxed throughout his meeting with the media at the CAA Centre. He’s the latest Leaf to headline Hockey Night in Brampton following in the footsteps of Auston Matthews, Chris Tanev, Mitch Marner, Max Domi and John Tavares.
“I think they’ve all enjoyed their time here and so when the opportunity came to me to be part of an event like this, it was obviously a no brainer,” Rielly said. “I feel very lucky to play a small role in it. There’s obviously a lot of good things happening here tonight.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown highlighted that the previous four editions of the game raised $77-million to help build a second hospital in the city. Wednesday’s exhibition shinny showcase helped add $2,225,000 to the total.
After fielding questions beside Brown and NHL Hall of Famer Mark Messier, who served as the other captain during Wednesday’s charity game, Rielly agreed to extend his time with reporters. Initially, it was announced Rielly would only take a couple additional questions, but he ended up taking 11 and struck a positive tone throughout.
“It’s been a great offseason,” Rielly reiterated. “I had a chance to go play over at Worlds and then I came home and just got back to work. For me, it’s just trying to stay focused and be present and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I feel grateful to be part of this organization and this team and I’m just excited for the season.”
