Morgan Rielly
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
For his 12-year career, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has been a major part of his team’s blueprint for success.
The 30-year-old blueliner has been a minute-munching D-man with great instincts on offense, and he’s reached the 40-point plateau in five of his last seven seasons.
This year, things have changed for Rielly, but we’d argue they’ve changed for the better.
After averaging 23:44 of ice time last season – and after averaging 22:12 over the course of his career – Rielly’s minutes are down this season under new Leafs coach Craig Berube.
Rielly averaged 21:28 in the first 10 games. In half of those games, he logged less than 21 minutes per night. That average is more than two minutes less per game than he averaged last season.
Consequently, Rielly’s offensive totals are up and down. He has only two assists and is on pace for 41 points, which would tie his total from 2022-23, but it would also be significantly down from his 58-point total from 2023-24. That said, Rielly also has three goals this season – including one on Monday against Winnipeg – which is nearly half his seven goals in 72 games last year.
If Rielly keeps it up, he will also have the highest expected goals share at 5-on-5 in his career, which shows he’s improving on the quality chances the Leafs produce versus allow while he’s on the ice.
Even though it’s early on in the season, Rielly’s expected goals share of 54.38 percent is the highest it’s been in the first 10 games of every season since his 55.01-percent share in 2016-17, per naturalstattrick.com.
With a deeper Leafs defense corps, Berube has been able to spread out minutes more evenly. From the eye test, Rielly looks fresher and more confident joining the rush and breaking into the offensive zone.
Whether he’s been paired with veteran Chris Tanev or Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Rielly has thrived in many ways this season.
Rielly has been through it all in Leafs Land – from Toronto’s tanking days to its ‘Core Four’ evolution – and now, he’s more confident knowing he doesn’t have to do it all for the Buds to be successful.
The Leafs would love to get a full 82-game season out of Rielly, but that hasn’t always been easy. He’s reached the 82-game mark only twice in the last six seasons. But Berube’s choice to limit Rielly’s minutes to start this season should allow him to be engaged, effective and slightly better rested.
Rielly is clearly benefitting from the Buds’ improved depth. That should keep him at his peak as the regular-season grind takes its toll on him and his teammates.
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