In today’s NHL Rumors Review, we start with the Toronto Maple Leafs and what their plans could be with Morgan Rielly. Next, we’ll look at even more Maple Leafs that could be available. Finally, we look at the Montreal Canadiens and how they may see a change in their approach to the 2026 trade deadline.
Leafs could wait until the offseason to trade Rielly
First things first: If Rielly doesn’t want to go anywhere, he won’t. He has a full no-move clause for each of the next two seasons, and this is reduced to a 10-team no-trade list for the final two years of his contract.
In those final four years, he’s only owed $6 million in salary with a cap hit of $7.5 million, and no bonuses. For any teams that might be interested and can afford the cap, it is a favorable contract in terms of structure.
The Maple Leafs enter the trade deadline as sellers, according to Chris Johnston. Rielly has struggled this season and has been trending in that direction for a while. He could still be a very valuable defender in the right role, but the clock may be ticking in Toronto.
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Rielly has been quite productive over the past five seasons, although his defensive skills and lack of a threatening shot from the point have frustrated many.
There may be some resistance from Rielly to waive his no-move clause, but there are always talks possible, and some players could be convinced to do so.
The San Jose Sharks are reportedly interested, and the idea of Timothy Liljegren and a mid-round pick was floated. There would certainly be other teams calling, but they may hesitate based on the asking price.
David Bread suggested that the Maple Leafs will wait until the summer to make these types of deals and ask him to opt out.
Benoit, McMann leads Toronto trading interests
Looking beyond Rielly, there are other players who could certainly be the focus of some trade conversations.
Of course, if Auston Matthews or William Nylander were available, these would be the biggest stories, but looking at realistic options, Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit could generate the most interest.
Both players will earn $1.35 million, with McMann set to become an unrestricted free agent this season and Benoit having one season left on his contract.
Pagnotta suggested on the same episode of The Sheet that a five-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million could be what is needed to keep him in Toronto. Teams will likely know what he’s looking for in an extension, but he could be a prime candidate for a loan deal.
The Maple Leafs have a lot of forward options that can be dealt. They still have a good team and have shown they can compete, but it wouldn’t be a huge shock if Calle Jarnkrok, Max Domi, Scott Laughton, Mattias Maccelli or Nicolas Roy moved.
Canadiens set as buyers at deadline
The Canadiens would not sell at the 2026 Trade Deadline, and that was about the only thing everyone could agree on for now.
They were in discussions about many centers but then seemingly absent. They continue to come up with some bigger players, but never seem too close. Now, after a dominant 4-0-1 finish before the Olympic break, they could be cemented in the buyers category.
As I wrote last weekend, Patrik Laine could be on the move, and they are likely looking to bring in another winger. With centers Vincent Trocheck, Nazem Kadri and Charlie Coyle being talked about, any of them would make sense, but they could also look to bring in a goaltender if the opportunity presents itself.
Jesper Wallstedt would be a great addition, but they will likely look at moving future assets like picks and prospects instead of marquee players, which the Minnesota Wild would be looking for.
Regardless of which path they take, the players have shown general manager Kent Hughes that they deserve additions to the lineup and have earned their place as buyers.
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