Former Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke made a surprising comment about the struggling Morgan Rielly during a recent podcast appearance. Drafted fifth overall by Burke and the Leafs in 2012, Morgan Rielly has been a staple on the Leafs' blueline since the 2013-14 season.

Squaring off with nearly identical records entering Wednesday’s contest, the Toronto Maple Leafs were presented with a key opportunity to get out of a rut against a quality Minnesota Wild team, with a four-game road trip on the horizon before the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

Morgan Rielly is used to contributing with the puck on his stick. The Maple Leafs defenceman had a career-high 68 points a couple of years back and chipped in another 58 last season as part of a well-oiled attack.

William Nylander, even with a recent slump, is in the midst of another productive season and Auston Matthews is starting to find his groove again. One notable exception has been Morgan Rielly.

Leafs answered our poll. In part 1, we reveal the teammates most Leafs would like to be stuck with in an elevator, and more.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has shared his thoughts on his low offensive production this season. Rielly has been a strong offensive defenseman in past years.

TORONTO -- Filip Gustavsson made 31 saves for the Minnesota Wild in a 3-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday. Marat Khusnutdinov, Jared Spurgeon and Marcus Foligno scored for the Wild (30-17-4), who are 2-2-0 in their past four games.

NHL insider Chris Johnston recently spoke about the importance of Jake McCabe to the Toronto Maple Leafs. While trade rumors swirl around Morgan Rielly, Johnston talked about McCabe’s strong play and steady presence on the team’s blue line.

Rielly is the only Leafs defenceman to play in all 51 games and he has 22 points. He’s on pace for 35 points in 82 games, a far cry from the 58 points he had in 72 games in 2023-24. And being taken off the top power play has to be a blow to his pride.

The message, clearly, was received and understood, as Hynes’ team put together a 60-minute effort for its latest in a notable resume of road wins this season. The Wild got a pair of first period goals and played a strong defensive game in a 3-1 win in Toronto, beating the Maple Leafs in regulation for the first time since 2019.

The Maple Leafs are looking to finally have success in the postseason in 2024-25, and should acquire Yanni Gourde in that quest.

The Maple Leafs have done a lot of work to improve their farm system, and one prospect has flown up the rankings and could be an impact player in the near future.