Quoting: TrueCanuck
What people don't realize is what he actually brings to the team: he's an elite puck moving defence that starts offence from the back end. You trade him and watch the amount of goals scored drop drastically. There's no one to fill that kinda role in their roster. Take what he's good at and use it as a strength instead of making it a weakness for no reason other than overreacting.
Hey Draisaitl is horrific at defence too. Maybe Edmonton should trade him too!
I'm a big Rielly fan. He's among my favourite Leafs. And, I certainly don't agree with OP that he needs to be dealt
But, I don't think it's a given that the Leafs re-sign 29 yo Morgan Rielly to a long term deal that likely is at least $7M per.
He's an elite offensive defenceman no doubt about that, but he clearly has his warts defensively, and his game relies pretty heavily on his skating. Within the time frame of that next contract, it's a guarantee that his skating begins to decline (happens to everyone). What effect does that have on his game? Plenty of great players games fall off a cliff (SJ is a great example). So is it clearly the best plan to pay Rielly big $$ for his declining years?
Especially considering the Leafs will already having an aging Muzzin and Brodie singed up for another couple of years at that time.
And also have a young talented dman breaking into the league (Sandin).
I think it's likely that he stays, but I would almost guarantee there is lengthy discussion this summer about the best plan moving forward when it comes to Rielly.
Maybe it's a simple as the flat cap forcing their hand.