Morgan Rielly expects to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to NHL.com's Dave McCarthy.
Rielly's future with the Maple Leafs was in question early in the offseason after Toronto missed the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons. The 32-year-old defenseman had 11 goals but only 36 points for his lowest scoring rate since 2016-17.
The longest-tenured current Maple Leaf hasn't had an issue putting aside the speculation.
"It's not as hard as it seems," Rielly said, according to McCarthy. "I feel very lucky to have great people around me. I've been training really hard, and I feel grateful to be a part of this organization. I think there's great things ahead."
Toronto general manager John Chayka said in June that he didn't think Rielly would be traded but that discussions were still ongoing.
"We had a good conversation after Worlds," Rielly said, via TSN. "He's got a plan and he's very direct. As a player, that's what you want. All the conversations with me and with other players have all been positive."
First overall pick Gavin McKenna is among numerous additions in Toronto. Rielly expects the 18-year-old to be "flying around" and "ready to go" at training camp.
McKenna is one of nine new players projected to be on the Leafs' roster when the season commences Sept. 29.
"I think whenever there's an overhaul after a down year, as players, you almost want that," Rielly said. "You're excited and driven and motivated to bounce back and to play well. Change comes every year, but can be exciting. I think as a group, we're just looking forward to getting going and getting playing. Camp's right around the corner now. It's important that camp is good and hard and fast, because it's quick this year."
