3 Most Important Lou Lamoriello Signings as the Toronto Maple Leafs G.M.

#1. Morgan Rielly Extension

Contract Details: Six-Year $30 Million Contract ($5 million cap hit per season)

Morgan Rielly always seems older than his age, but the 26-year-old is just hitting the prime of his NHL career.

After being drafted fifth overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Rielly made an impact quickly at the NHL-level. Besides this season, Rielly had rarely been injured and was playing almost every night, getting better year-after-year.

Not only was he turning into the Toronto Maple Leafs best defenseman, but was becoming a leader off the ice as well, being named as one of the alternate captains early into his career.

With Rielly set to become a Restricted Free Agent, Lamoriello did an incredible job signing him to a six-year contract worth $5 million per season. In comparison to the rest of the NHL, Rielly is currently the 50th highest paid defenseman.

After having a consistent start to his NHL career, Rielly showed his potential in a break-out 2018-19 season where he finished with 20 goals and 72 points and was fifth in Norris Trophy voting. 

Not only is Rielly a fan-favourite, but he’s one of the best skaters in the NHL and his ability to move the puck up the ice makes him so valuable, especially on this current Leafs team that has so much talent.

Rielly is still under contract until 2022, so there’s no doubt that he’ll continue to improve under that deal and continue to look underpaid at $5 million per season.

Lou Lamoriello did a lot of great things during his time in Toronto, but locking up the team’s best defenseman at a bargain was definitely his best work as Leafs G.M.