Morgan Rielly, currently the Toronto Maple Leafs’ longest-tenured player, has become a cornerstone of the franchise. He’s a steady presence on and off the ice, who many believe should be the team’s captain. Rielly’s journey from West Vancouver, British Columbia, to NHL stardom in the Ontario capital city has been packed with success. He’s a proven leader who’s also a strong offensive blue-liner.
The following five fascinating facts offer a deeper look into his remarkable journey.
Fascinating Fact One: The “Dog-With-a-Bone” Mentality Runs in Rielly’s Family
Morgan Rielly’s relentless drive comes from his mother, Shirley, a retired cancer researcher who describes herself as a “dog with a bone.” Shirley’s meticulous approach to problem-solving is mirrored in Morgan’s commitment to his craft. This mindset became evident early in his life when he decided to leave the comforts of West Vancouver hockey for a bigger challenge.
Rielly was dissatisfied with what he saw as weaker competition in his hometown of Vancouver. He sought environments that would push him to grow. The results are apparent. He’s proving that his competitive edge stems from his family roots.
Fascinating Fact Two: Saskatchewan’s Notre Dame Hockey Camp Changed Rielly’s Life
At age 14, Rielly attended a summer hockey camp at the prestigious Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. The experience was transformative. Captivated by the program’s intensity and tradition, Rielly convinced his parents to let him enroll in the hockey-focused boarding school.
His initial goal was to make the AAA team. However, he played and excelled as the team’s captain by his second year. That year, he led his team to the Telus Cup, earning a national championship and cementing his reputation as a rising star.
Fascinating Fact Three: Rielly Is a Leader Without a “C”
Although Rielly doesn’t wear the captain’s “C,” his leadership qualities have made him one of the team’s most respected voices. Over the years, Rielly has consistently stepped up to face the media during tough times, often after difficult losses. However, he’s also become part of the city he calls home.
Despite occasionally wondering why anyone would care what he has to say, Rielly embraces this leadership responsibility as part of being a veteran player. His teammates and coaches value his steady presence as a calming influence in the locker room and an example of accountability on the ice. He’s both an intelligent guy (taking after his mother again) and has his head together.
Fascinating Fact Four: Rielly Overcame Adversity to Become a Top Draft Pick
Rielly’s path to the NHL wasn’t without challenges. In his draft year, he tore his ACL—a devastating injury that threatened to derail his season. Instead of letting it define him, Rielly attacked his rehab with the same tenacity he applies to hockey. He returned just in time for the WHL playoffs, where his resilience caught the attention of NHL scouts.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, under then-GM Brian Burke, selected him fifth overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. Burke later admitted that Rielly was Toronto’s top-rated prospect in the draft, saying, “If we’d had the first pick, we would’ve taken him.”
Fascinating Fact Five: A Team-First Mentality on and off the Ice
Rielly’s natural athleticism could have led him to success in almost any sport. His trainer, Molly O’Brien, once shared a video of Rielly casually dunking a basketball, showcasing his agility and strength. Despite these all-round talents, Rielly has always focused on contributing to his hockey team.
Whether guiding younger players, setting an example with his work ethic, or embracing his role as a secondary leader behind ex-captain John Tavares and current captain Auston Matthews, Rielly understands that championships don’t require one person to build them—they need a collective effort.
-1736842970-q80.webp "Fіlір Cһytіl’s Injury Tаkes а ‘Comрlісаted’ Turn, Rаіsіng Alаrmіng Questіons!")
-1736048637-q80.webp "4 Reasons the Flyers Shouldn’t Re-Sign Noah Cates in 2025")