Player Discussion Morgan Rielly

[TMLAM34]

He’s not Seth Jones. No chance Florida would make that trade for Rielly.

I didn’t know Jones got Chicago a 2nd and a decent roster player…

 

[IPS]

Rielly's never really been a strong defending defenseman in his whole career. The euphemism of having to find him a partner like a Ron Hainsey just really meant he needed a babysitter. He never grew out of it even as his role expanded, and all the other whipping boys moved on. First Gardiner, then Holl, then declining Brodie.

Who is 1 partner you can confidently say "yup, Rielly really elevated that guy beyond what he is"? A real #1D can do it all on the ice, and leave whatever niche the low-paid partner can do.

My current pipe dream is somehow getting Rielly's cap off the board and signing Jakob Chycrun in the offseason. Pair him with Carlo, McCabe with Tanev, and all of a sudden you have a real top-4 with no weaknesses. No slugs where you have to rearrange or accommodate partners with.

 

[LeafEgo]

Rielly's never really been a strong defending defenseman in his whole career. The euphemism of having to find him a partner like a Ron Hainsey just really meant he needed a babysitter. He never grew out of it even as his role expanded, and all the other whipping boys moved on. First Gardiner, then Holl, then declining Brodie.

A challenge to the notion he needs a 'babysitter':

This ignores that most high end defenceman rely on a complementary partner. Expecting otherwise from a sub 8M player is unrealistic.

Also, he has never had a partner suitable to complete a first pairing duo on a contender (your example was finding a Hainsey). Despite this he has handled top competition and minutes during high stakes hockey. They never even gave Tanev a chance - a mistake.

Remember, the teams construction has prioritized forwards, and Rielly has been over tasked with #1 duties on a budget conscious D corps.

I dont need to see Rielly back next year, but I haven't seen any good plan to replace him - mostly misguided anger against reality, suggesting we buy him out for a 21M hit while he still sits in Dobbers top 30.