Morgan Rielly’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs has become a major NHL offseason storyline. The speculations have intensified even more after reports suggested the veteran defenseman is open to a move out of Toronto.

TSN analyst Darren Dreger reported on X that Rielly’s agent, J.P. Barry, has submitted a list of four Western Conference teams that the defenseman would consider joining.

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“Morgan Rielly’s agent J.P Barry has submitted a list of 4 Western based teams Rielly is willing to go to,” Dreger wrote. “This will be a team by team assessment and depending on the fit, there could be some flexibility to add teams to the list.”

While the full list remains undisclosed, insider Chris Johnston pointed directly toward two emerging Pacific Division clubs.

“I believe a move to San Jose or Anaheim, teams like that that are on the rise would have some appeal,” Johnston said on First Up on June 23.

The speculation arrives during a dramatic organizational reset in Toronto. After a disastrous 2025-26 campaign, the Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division with a 32-36-14 record. The club allowed 299 goals, ranked near the bottom of the NHL defensively, and underwent sweeping front-office changes.

Rielly, meanwhile, endured one of the toughest seasons of his career. He recorded 11 goals and 25 assists in 78 games while posting a career-worst minus-18 rating. The 32-year-old still has four years remaining on his contract, carrying a $7.5 million cap hit through 2029-30.

Why do San Jose and Anaheim make sense for Morgan Rielly?

It makes sense because both destinations offer logical fits.

San Jose Sharks enters the offseason with significant cap space (over $40 million for 2026-27) and a young core led by Macklin Celebrini. The Sharks improved to 86 points last season and could benefit from adding an experienced puck-moving defenseman to support their developing roster.

Anaheim Ducks appear even closer to contention. The Ducks reached the second round of the playoffs and feature rising stars such as Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson. Their blue line still lacks a proven veteran capable of handling major minutes and driving offense from the back end.

Rielly has spent 13 seasons with Toronto since being selected fifth overall in 2012. He became one of the defining players of the franchise’s modern era through leadership, durability, skating, and offensive production.

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If Toronto fully commits to a youth-focused retool after winning the first overall pick and preparing to draft Gavin McKenna, moving Rielly could accelerate that transition. For San Jose or Anaheim, acquiring him would represent more than a hockey move. It would add leadership and playoff experience to teams aiming to take the next step.