'It's A Big Blow': Defenseman Morgan Rielly Injured In Maple Leafs Contest Against Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that defenseman Morgan Rielly would not return against the Montreal Canadiens, in what turned out to be a 4-2 loss at home.

His last shift was with 18:34 remaining in the second period, before he went down the tunnel with what the team is calling a lower-body injury. He played a total of just 5:45 in this game.

Rielly appeared to catch an edge after twisting while standing in front of a shot from Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. Rielly was the defenseman back on a 2-on-1 with Suzuki and Zachary Bolduc.

The Leafs' veteran appeared to hobble after the shot was taken, but it wasn't clear if the puck hit him.

After the game, head coach Jim Hiller said he didn't have a report on Rielly, but mentioned that it's never a good sign when a player can't finish a game. He added that there will be more conversations regarding Rielly's status tomorrow.

There won't be much time for Rielly to recover because the Maple Leafs are right back at it with another home game on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils for the second half of a back-to-back.

Not only is it a huge loss for the Maple Leafs' back end, Rielly had a great start to this season.

"Yeah, he's played really well," Hiller said of Rielly post-game. "I think he's had a really good, probably three weeks as good as I've seen him in a long time. Really been helping us, and I think his confidence is back. So it's a big blow. So hopefully, it's not too long."

"Sucks for Morgan to leave," his D-partner Chris Tanev said after the game. "I think, especially as he's playing very well. But I hope he's not out for an extended time because we're going to miss him."

In 18 games, Rielly has provided 12 assists for the Maple Leafs, leading the team's defense in scoring. 

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