Morgan Rielly made his first public comments about his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Hockey Night in Brampton charity game on Wednesday. The Maple Leafs' longest-serving player has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors over the offseason.
The Leafs' defenseman was asked what it was like to wait out an offseason of change in Toronto and to wonder about his future with the team. "It's not as hard as it seems," he said, crediting the support system around him. He later added, "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 part of it."
Rielly also had positive things to say about the new leadership of general manager John Chayka and head coach Jim Hiller. The maligned Leafs' defenseman stated that he and other players are looking forward to training camp and what the year ahead holds, and are excited to get going. Since it appears that Rielly will be returning to the Maple Leafs, how should the team's fans feel?
Leafs' Fans Encouraged to Give Rielly a "Clean Slate"
On a recent episode of The Toronto Sports Rush podcast, hosts Dan O'Toole and Kyle Andrew discussed with guest Pierre McGuire the increasing likelihood that Rielly will return to the Leafs and how the team's fans should react.
Andrew mentioned that it appears Rielly will be staying in Toronto and suggested that one thing the team's fan base doesn't do very well is "forgive and forget." He continued, "And I think because of his new position on this team, I would love to see the fan base go into that arena this year and just cheer the guy on and just let him wipe the slate clean and let him not have the pressure of the number one defenseman."
"I would love to see the fan base go into that arena this year and just cheer the guy on."Kyle Andrew on Morgan Rielly
McGuire agreed that Rielly deserved a clean slate. He noted his role within the team will change this coming season. He then defended the Leafs' defenseman, saying to the team's fans, "He's a much better player than what you give him credit for." The NHL analyst finished by reiterating how Rielly's role change for the 2026-27 season will enhance his abilities.
The former NHL broadcaster predicted Rielly will be better this year for Toronto, adding he was excited for the defenseman. He called Rielly "a tremendous person and an outstanding Maple Leaf."
Both Andrew and Rielly are correct in their request for a clean slate for Rielly. The Maple Leafs' longest-serving player has always been a model citizen, accountable and forthright, and was a solid player for many of his years with the organization. It is time for the team's fan base to turn the page. Rielly has given his all for the franchise. The least they can do is offer him a fresh start.
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