The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Morgan Rielly will not return to the team’s lineup until after the Olympic break. Head coach Craig Berube stated that Rielly needs further evaluation before he can rejoin the team. This decision follows a recent aggravation of a lingering issue during the game against the Vancouver Canucks.
Morgan Rielly’s Injury Details
Rielly sustained his injury during the Leafs’ 3-2 shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks on a Saturday. Although there wasn’t a specific play that caused the injury, it was noted as a recurring problem that worsened during the match. The team is taking a cautious approach, especially with only two games remaining before the Olympic break.
Upcoming Games
The Maple Leafs are set to face the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers in quick succession. These games will take place on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Given Rielly’s condition, the decision to rest him makes sense as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
Rielly’s Performance This Season
During this season, Morgan Rielly’s performance has not met expectations. He has recorded seven goals and 24 assists for a total of 31 points in 54 games. This marks his second-worst scoring rate since the breakout season of 2017-18. Defensively, Rielly has struggled as well, holding one of the lower adjusted plus-minus ratings among defensemen.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 24 |
| Total Points | 31 |
| Games Played | 54 |
| Plus-Minus Rating | 0.149 (20th worst among defensemen) |
Team Adjustments
With Rielly sidelined, the team will make several lineup changes. Philippe Myers and Simon Benoit are expected to fill in during Monday’s matchup against the Flames. Troy Stecher will be moving up to play alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Brandon Carlo will partner with Jake McCabe as well.
Current Standings
The Maple Leafs are currently at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, boasting a record of 25 wins, 21 losses, and 9 overtime losses. They are trailing the Buffalo Sabres by eight points for the final wild card position in the Eastern Conference. Toronto will aim to build on their recent victory as they head into their next game.
