Part 3: The Hardest Decisions in the Maple Leafs Retool

In the final installment of our Maple Leafs retool series, the franchise must confront the most difficult truths and make tangible changes. This means assessing key players who, while valued, may no longer fit the future of the Blue & White. It’s time to seriously shop these players on the open market.

Step Three: The Tough Defensive Decisions

Last season, the Maple Leafs prioritized defense, adding Oliver Ekman-Larsson (OEL) in free agency and trading for Brandon Carlo at the Trade Deadline. While OEL has delivered, Carlo’s tenure has been limited by a nagging foot injury requiring surgery.

With the success of the Maple Leafs retool hinging on securing additional assets for the "tank," the market for both Carlo and OEL must be assessed. Carlo holds an 8-team no-trade list, and OEL has a 16-team list. The process starts now: securing these lists and determining their market values. With an extra year remaining on both contracts, the return for Toronto must be substantial, a first-round pick for Carlo, and likely a first-round pick plus a B-Level prospect for OEL. Toronto could also retain salary to significantly sweeten the pot, or explore a 'fresh start' deal, such as a Brandon Carlo for Lawson Crouse trade, to address immediate roster needs for both clubs.

Step Four: The Joseph Woll Trade Value Conversation

While moving veteran Anthony Stolarz is desirable, his injury history and 16-team no-trade list make it nearly impossible. Instead, with the emergence of Dennis Hildeby as a potential starting goaltender, the Leafs must evaluate the market for Joseph Woll.

Woll, who currently lacks any trade protection, is a prime trade candidate. Evaluating his Joseph Woll trade value ahead of the summer is crucial for clearing a permanent path for Hildeby. Historically, goaltenders of Woll’s caliber have commanded significant returns, similar to the 2nd round picks and B-Level prospects received for Vitek Vanecek or Alexandar Georgiev.

Step Five: Morgan Rielly: Goodbye or Buy-Out

General Manager Brad Treliving has reportedly already had a difficult conversation with Morgan Rielly, the Maple Leafs’ longest-serving player, demanding more from the veteran defender. Unfortunately, Rielly remains a persistent defensive liability.

Despite starting 68% of shifts in the offensive zone (a heavily sheltered role under Head Coach Craig Berube), Rielly has been on the ice for 56 goals against versus 54 goals for. At even strength, the statistics are even more damning: 50 goals against versus 40 goals for. Rielly has even lost his spot on the top power-play unit. It is time for the organization to move on.

The organization must communicate clearly to Rielly: there is no path forward for him on this roster. His no-movement clause cannot be prohibitive. If a trade is impossible due to Rielly’s list or prohibitive cap-space returns, the only remaining option is a buy-out.

A buy-out, while allowing Rielly to sign elsewhere, would save the Leafs $4,000,000 for the next three seasons, costing an additional $2,000,000 for the three seasons after. While the long-term penalty seems steep, the projected rise in the salary cap will effectively nullify this issue. Moving on from Rielly, the longest-serving Leaf and a symbol of franchise failures, is the necessary, tough decision for the team to truly execute this Maple Leafs retool and move past his persistent defensive struggles.