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Maple Leafs Expected to Ask Star to Waive No-Movement Clause
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- Maple Leafs Expected to Ask Star to Waive No-Movement Clause
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be one of the top teams to watch this offseason. After a nightmarish 2025-26 season in which they finished 32-36-14 and at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings, the Maple Leafs are expected to make substantial changes to their roster this offseason.
One notable Maple Leafs defenseman to watch is Morgan Rielly. Questions about the 32-year-old blueliner's future in Toronto have come up often in recent years, and they are increasing after the Maple Leafs' poor season.
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During a recent appearance on "First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo " podcast, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Maple Leafs are expected to ask Rielly to waive his no-movement clause this offseason.
"I feel like something would have to change for them not to approach Morgan, who's got trade protection, to say that 'we'd like to explore opportunities, what do you think,'" Dreger said. "But I also think that Morgan's probably there, too."
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) at Ball Arena.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Dreger noted the Maple Leafs approached Rielly after last season about waiving his no-movement clause, but the star blueliner wanted another year to prove himself with the Original Six club.
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After how poorly this season went, it is understandable Toronto would approach Rielly about waiving his no-movement clause again. In 78 games this season, he had 11 goals, 25 assists, 36 points and a minus-18 rating.
While Rielly struggled somewhat this season, it is likely he would still generate interest around the league if he is willing to accept a trade out of Toronto. His $7.5 million cap hit through the 2029-30 season is reasonable for what he provides, and he would be a strong pickup for a team looking to bolster its top four.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Maple Leafs end up dealing Rielly this offseason. If they do, it would be the end of an era. Rielly has been a big part of Toronto's blueline for the last 13 seasons.
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Related: Maple Leafs Announce News on Top Prospect Ben Danford
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
