It feels crazy to say that Morgan Rielly is the longest-tenured player on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Not too long ago, he was the first of this core group drafted by the Maple Leafs, fifth overall in 2012, marking the start of a new era in Toronto.
Fast forward to now, and Rielly is a veteran in the league, with 12 years of NHL experience under his belt.
Unfortunately, with that experience often comes a drop-off in play as a result of age and overall wear and tear on the body. Some would say that hit Rielly last season, as he struggled to the tune of just 41 points (seven goals, 34 assists) and a -8 rating in 82 games in year one under Craig Berube.
The star defenseman was evidently not happy with how the campaign went, and he’s eager to prove that his best hockey is still in front of him. Joshua Kloke of The Athletic spoke to Rielly about last year’s disappointment and how it’s fueled him moving forward.
“I was disappointed with the way last season went. So I took it upon myself to answer the bell. I didn’t want to make it a thing (his summer overhaul); I just think that if you were me, you would have done what I did this summer,” Rielly said.
“I had to come to terms with that I was disappointed in myself. And that’s a hard thing to admit sometimes for a grown-up. And there’s not a lot of examples in my life where I’ve really felt that,” Rielly added.
What is Rielly’s goal heading into 2025-26?
“Having the best year of my career,” he said.
June 16: Morgan Rielly has the kind of conversation he doesn’t often have.
After one of his worst seasons, it changed how he looked at himself.
And it might end up making the Maple Leafs defenceman a different player.
Inside Rielly’s redemption:https://t.co/jW4GSR1Djx
— Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) September 25, 2025
The 31-year-old is set to enter the fourth season of the eight-year, $60 million contract extension he signed with the Maple Leafs back in 2021.
The Maple Leafs need Morgan Rielly at his best
While the Toronto Maple Leafs are led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander, Morgan Rielly is just as important to the team’s success.
When playing at a high level, Rielly provides them a dynamic offensive punch from the blue line, something that nobody else on their defense corps can do.
His skating ability allows him to jump up into the play while also being able to get back defensively, roving around the ice with ease.
That wasn’t on display much last season, so Morgan Rielly is hoping that a summer of hard work will help him return to all-star form in what will be a pivotal year for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
