Morgan Rielly and Jim Hiller now appear headed toward training camp together after weeks of trade speculation surrounding Toronto's longest-serving player.
Jonas Siegel and Frankie Corrado both predicted Rielly will begin the 2026-27 season with the Maple Leafs, a sharp turn from where the situation stood earlier this summer.
Rielly and his camp had submitted a four-team list of potential destinations, making a trade look increasingly possible at the time.
The market never developed enough to force Toronto's hand. Rielly controls the process through his no-movement clause, narrowing the number of clubs general manager John Chayka can realistically negotiate with.
His contract adds another complication. Rielly has 4 seasons remaining at a $7,500,000 cap hit, while his recent play has also raised questions about what teams would actually surrender for him.
Siegel suggested Toronto may simply prefer keeping Rielly rather than accepting a weak return. A fresh start under Hiller could also give the defenseman a chance to restore some of his value.
Corrado pointed toward San Jose as one possible destination that may have disappeared after the Sharks acquired Darnell Nurse, removing another potential landing spot from the board.
Morgan Rielly's Leafs exit suddenly looks much less likely
That leaves the Leafs facing a straightforward choice. They can move Rielly for limited value now, or keep him and see whether a different system produces better results.
The addition of Darren Raddysh gives Hiller more flexibility on the blue line. Corrado believes that depth could push Rielly into a less demanding role and reduce some of the pressure surrounding his minutes.
There is risk in waiting. If Rielly struggles again, his $7,500,000 contract could become even harder to move, leaving Toronto with fewer options later.
But the opposite outcome has obvious appeal. If Rielly rebounds under Hiller, Chayka either keeps a useful defenseman or returns to the trade market with a stronger asset.
His reputation inside the organization also matters. Rielly has been viewed as a respected teammate and franchise representative, reducing concerns that an unsuccessful trade attempt will create problems in the room.
Training camp now becomes the reset point. Instead of preparing for an exit, Rielly can compete for his place on a reshaped Toronto blue line.
A trade once looked close to inevitable. With limited offers, contractual control and a new coach offering another opportunity, the Leafs now appear ready to keep Rielly and see what comes next.
Source : Why Morgan Rielly will not be traded and start the season with the Maple Leafs
Should Toronto keep Morgan Rielly and give him one season under Jim Hiller?
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