The Toronto Maple Leafs have opened training camp ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, offering an early look at how the roster could be structured when Toronto begins its campaign against the Montreal Canadiens on September 29.
However, one of the biggest early developments involves the Leafs’ longest-tenured player, Morgan Rielly.
Rielly missed the opening day of camp after dealing with a viral illness. According to head coach Jim Hiller, the veteran defenseman spent the day skating with the Marlies group rather than taking part in a full practice.
That changed on Friday, when Rielly returned to the ice as a full participant. His first appearance of the new season, however, came with an intriguing twist.
Multiple reporters at the Ford Performance Centre indicated that Rielly was paired with newcomer Emil Andrae on what projected as the Leafs’ third defensive pairing.
That would put Oliver Ekman-Larsson alongside Darren Raddysh on the top pairing, while Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev remained together on the second unit. Troy Stecher and Nick Blankenburg continued to work as the extra defensemen.
Could a Different Role Unlock Morgan Rielly?
Rielly’s place in Toronto’s defensive hierarchy has gradually changed in recent seasons, and this latest development could represent another significant adjustment.
For years, Rielly led the Maple Leafs in ice time. McCabe eventually took over that distinction last season, and it now appears increasingly unlikely that Rielly will return to his former workload.
Instead, the Leafs could potentially use him in a more sheltered role, allowing him to focus on what he does best: moving the puck, joining the attack and creating offense from the blue line.
If these defensive pairings ultimately carry into the regular season, they would create a fascinating mix of styles.
Ekman-Larsson and Raddysh, for example, could form an extremely attack-minded top pairing. Ekman-Larsson has previously operated in a protected role where his offensive ability could be maximized without exposing him to as much defensive responsibility. Moving that type of player to the top pair alongside Raddysh could produce a high-event combination at both ends of the ice.
McCabe and Tanev would offer the opposite approach.
The veteran duo could provide Toronto with a more physical, defense-first pairing built around simple and dependable hockey. Their ability to absorb pressure and make the safe play would contrast sharply with the offensive freedom potentially given to the top pair.
Then there is Rielly.
If he remains on the third pairing, potentially playing on his off side, Toronto could rotate him alongside Andrae, Blankenburg—assuming he signs—and Stecher. How effective that group would be remains one of the biggest unanswered questions coming out of camp.
Rielly’s situation is particularly interesting after a summer filled with trade speculation. There had been plenty of expectation that the veteran defenseman could be playing for another team by the time training camp arrived.
Instead, he remains in Toronto, and this potential role could make sense from a hockey perspective while simultaneously complicating any future trade discussions.
Moving a defenseman earning $7.5 million annually for the next four seasons becomes considerably more difficult if he is viewed around the league as a third-pairing player.
On the other hand, if Rielly thrives in a reduced role and rediscovers his offensive impact, the situation could look very different.
For now, his place in the Leafs’ plans remains one of the most intriguing storylines to monitor as training camp continues.