Should the Penguins try to strike a deal for Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly?
In a recent article for Sportsnet, Ryan Dixon took a look at a handful of potential trade destinations for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. The Pittsburgh Penguins were among the teams listed by Dixon as a potential fit for the Maple Leafs star defenseman.
"Rielly's current contract was inked by Pens GM Kyle Dubas in 2021, when Dubas ran the Leafs," Dixon wrote. "You could see where Rielly might serve as a bridge of sorts between the current blueline corps and the one Dubas is trying to build for the future."
With the left side of the Penguins' defensive group needing a boost, Rielly could be a player worth bringing in if the price to acquire him isn't too high. The veteran blueliner just had a tough year in 2025-26, though, posting 11 goals and 36 points in 78 games.
However, when looking at Rielly's excellent resume, the possibility of him bouncing back next season should not be ruled out. This is especially so when noting how poorly this season went for the Maple Leafs in general.
If the Penguins acquired Rielly, he would give them another legitimate option for the left side of their top pairing. Yet, even if he played on Pittsburgh's second pairing, he would have the potential to provide their blueline with a nice boost if brought in.
Rielly would be more than a one-year rental for the Penguins if acquired, as he has a $7.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2029-30 season. This is where trading for Rielly, who is 32 years old, would come with some risk for the Penguins. However, if he regained his top form, he would be a significant pickup for a Penguins club that is looking to continue to trend in the right direction.