Morgan Rielly looks to continue growth
Last season Rielly took a step forward with his offensive game as he jumped from 29 points (8 goals and 21 assist) to 39 points ( 9 goals and 27 assist) and it seems like when it comes to offensive abilities, the sky’s the limit for Rielly since he’s a smooth skater and puck moving defenseman that is needed in today’s game.
After the trade of Dion Phaneuf, Rielly has now taken the role as the alpha male on the blueline and the responsibility of going up against every team’s top line. He has also gained the trust of Babcock which is why his time on ice was increased when the Maple Leafs traded the captain to see if Rielly could handle the load.
#Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello says of 22-year-old Morgan Rielly: "He's our leader there" on the blie line.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) April 13, 2016
Nevertheless, for Rielly to become that elite number defenseman that many Maple Leaf fans are hoping he turns into, then his defensive game.
He will need to show his dedication to improving this side of his game which will ultimately determine if he can turn himself into a defenseman who can be out on the ice for all situations.
There are two roads for Rielly to go down this season, one will lead him to being that true number one defenseman while the other road will show that he’s just a top four defenseman.
This isn’t a make or break season for him, but it is a season to take that leap because he is the alpha dog and he needs to show signs of where he is headed.
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