Morgan Rielly hasn't had the best season in 2024-25, but if fans were worried he's going to be a detriment come playoffs, they may be pleasantly surprised.
It's safe to say that for the current 2024-25 season, Morgan Rielly hasn't exactly been the player the Maple Leafs need as their #1 defenseman. Often times caught out of position, and not bringing that offensive punch that's needed has hurt the team a lot, and some are wondering if he's already regressing at age 30.
But he's been a mainstay since being drafted, and has seen all the ugliness that comes with some pretty bad teams and partners. But he always seems to kick it into second gear come playoff time, which can only be a good sign for the Maple Leafs.
He's had 40 points in 57 playoff games, which isn't exactly eye-popping however is on pace with the likes of the Core Four, and seems to have his defense kick it up a notch too.
Morgan Rielly's Partner Elevates Him Mightily
Now that Brandon Carlo is in town and playing alongside him, things could look a lot different for both Rielly and the Maple Leafs. Since coming aboard he's been nothing short of spectacular, and if he can keep the same pace and elevate Rielly's game, the sky's the limit for the pair.
Production wise, he does only have 34 points in 69 games which would put him at some of his worst career numbers, and his defense hasn't exactly been up to snuff this season. But Carlo can change that, and as we've seen with Luke Schenn in the past; the right partner can bring Rielly to where he needs to be.
If Rielly can pick things up thanks to his new partner, and use these last dozen or so games to get his footing again, that will pay off huge for Toronto now, and in the playoffs come May.
Don't sweat the small stuff with Morgan Rielly, even though the optics may say otherwise. It's just taking more time than usual, but they've got enough of that; at least for now.
This article first appeared on Hockey Patrol and was syndicated with permission.
