Morgan Rielly News

Rielly has played in eight games with the Leafs, and they had to decide after his ninth game to keep him or send him back to juniors. He has impressed assisting on four goals in the eight games.

Earlier in the week Rielly was working with Jake Gardniner, but he will start tonight's game with Cody Franson as his partner. He has all the tools of an emerging offensive-defenseman. He is a great skater who moves the puck effectively. His play in his own zone still needs some work but for all fantasy purposes he is good. He had 12 goals and 42 assists (54 points) in 60 games with the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) last season.

Rielly will make his debut with Jake Gardiner as his D-partner. That is a high-powered, offensive duo that should be able to produce for the Leafs. If Rielly can get off to a hot-start with Fraser on IR, he could stick with the team.

Rielly sat in each of the Maple Leafs first two games of the season but could play on Saturday. Mark Fraser was seen leaving the arena on crutches last night, which opens a spot on the blueline for the 19-year-old.

Rielly led all Leafs in ice time in the final tune-up game Saturday, as management took one long, last look at him before making their decision. While the roster has not been submitted yet, it appears Rielly will remain in Toronto for at least nine games, the limit before the clock starts ticking on the first year of his entry-level contract.

If you are in a deep keeper league, Rielly could be good to stash this season.