Morgan Rielly to play a much more suitable role for Toronto next season
The Toronto Maple Leafs have loaded up on defense this summer, and with their acquisitions, Morgan Rielly should thrive in a new role.
Morgan Rielly has been the Maple Leafs No. 1 defenseman for a couple of years now, and while he excels offensively within their squad, he isn't set up to do everything you need a key blue liner to do. Namely, defend a lead for the team late in games, and with the additions of Chris Tanev and Jani Hakanpaa, those weaknesses can now be masked much better.
I am very interested to see how Morgan Rielly does this year. He's always played a lot against top players, but now that TOR has Tanev, McCabe & maybe Hakanpaa, Rielly should be better positioned to play a more suitable role. No reason to be out there up 1 late in his own zone
In 2023/24, Rielly had another great campaign with 7 goals and 58 points in 72 games, but unfortunately, he was found out defensively going against opposing stars, leading to just a +7 goal differential. Now, with the defensive forces of Tanev and Hakanpaa, Rielly can be matched up against weaker opponents to take advantage of his offensive skillset, and it could transform this Leafs team.
Craig Berube with his Stanley Cup winning experience behind the bench won't hurt either, and while it's impossible to completely overcome a players weakness, the pieces are now in place for Rielly to thrive, and if that happens, look for Toronto to have another incredible regular season.
Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Morgan Rielly's Role Expected to Change in a Big Way This Season
Morgan Rielly's Role Expected to Change in a Big Way This Season
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15 JUILLET | 114 ANSWERS Morgan Rielly to play a much more suitable role for Toronto next season Will the Toronto Maple Leafs make the Stanley Cup Finals in 2024/25? | ||
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