As the longest tenured member of the team, Morgan Rielly has earned the admiration and respect of his peers and fans. This year however, it's been a struggle and amidst a severely regressed defensive game, and a lack of offensive production, it's led to his demotion off the first PP unit.
NHL Analyst Kevin Bieksa believes that Rielly is entering desperation mode, and if the Toronto Maple Leafs long-time blueliner can't turn it around then it might be the end.
Bieksa, speaking during Hockey Night in Canada's intermission, touched on Rielly's change of equipment and wondered if he's trying to do something different to bring his game back:
Something different could be trying to add more offense and keep the puck as hidden as possible, or just wanted a change of feeling; Rielly's hoping it pulls him out. While not a terrible year, it's not the type of season fans expect.
His defense has been awful, but has five goals and 17 assists in 50 games though that comes with a minus-16 rating.
He's already matched last season's giveaways with 32 more games to go, he's not hitting, and playing the least amount of minutes since 2014-15.
Bieksa also believes that there could be an issue with Rielly's confidence this season and wonders what's next for the defenseman:
Leafs fans would like to see more now rather than later, as Toronto is currently in the middle of a rough stretch where they've lost two in a row, outscored 7-2, and their once staunch defense has been unable to contain opponents.
But the thing is, Rielly isn't cheap. He costs the team $7.5M for the next five years, and if his production is already dropping significantly, how bad could it get in the future?
He's already 30, coming out of his prime and though he can contribute; isn't playing near his value whatsoever.
In his 12-year NHL career (all spent with Toronto) he has 85 goals and 409 assists in 841 games since being drafted 5th overall but has a career minus-31 and often had to carry the load with some pretty brutal defensive partners.
If Rielly's tape change can lead to good things that can only mean Toronto gets even more dangerous, however if he doesn't; then Toronto should look to cut the dead weight before it pulls them under and they can't get out.