Sharks Linked to Leafs' Rielly, What Would He Bring to San Jose?
The San Jose Sharks have been linked to Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly by insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. Sharks general manager Mike Grier has been clear about his desire to improve on the blue line this offseason, but what would the long-time Maple Leaf bring to the Sharks? In short, Rielly is an offensive defenseman who can help on the power play, although his offensive numbers have taken a considerable step backward under the current Maple Leafs head coach, Craig Berube.
He’s not the type of defenseman who will help the Sharks keep the puck out of the net and improve their goals-against, which was third-worst in the league this past season. Fit in the Lineup At this stage in his career, it’s hard to imagine Rielly as a true number one defenseman. He can be a reliable option on the second pairing, but it seems that he’s struggled in a top-pair role for the Maple Leafs as of late.
Back in January, my colleague Adam Proteau wrote, “Rielly has clearly regressed this season. He's a team-worst minus-13 despite having 26 points in 42 games. You can chalk up some of that to averaging 21:55 of ice time, but compare that to McCabe, who is averaging 22:01 and is a plus-26 while chipping in 16 points, and you can see why Leafs fans have grown tired of Rielly's subpar defensive play.
” The Toronto Maple Leafs Lack A True No. 1 Defenseman Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly's struggles in his own zone highlight a glaring defensive void for the Buds. And it's now painfully obvious the Leafs have lacked a true No.
1 blueliner in the Auston Matthews Era. Rielly finished the season with 11 goals and 36 points while playing in 78 games for the Maple Leafs, his lowest total since the 2020-21 season when he had 35 points in 55 games. The one bright side for him offensively this season was his goal-scoring.
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