Morgan Rielly has lengthy been the Toronto Maple Leafs’ prime defenseman, however he’s by no means fully acquired a lot love relating to Norris Trophy consideration. Regardless of being an offensive pressure from the blue line, he’s been flirting with a breakout season for years with out fully making it.
This season, nonetheless, issues are poised to alter. With new defensive accomplice Chris Tanev, Rielly can break via in methods we haven’t seen earlier than. Listed below are three the reason why Rielly is ready to achieve new heights and have a career-defining season in 2024-25.
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Motive One: Rielly Has a Dependable Defensive Associate in Chris Tanev
Previously, Rielly’s most profitable season (2018-19, 72 factors) got here paired with a steady, stay-at-home defenseman in Ron Hainsey. One of these partnership allowed him to activate offensively with out worrying an excessive amount of about masking the defensive finish. With Chris Tanev—among the finest defensive defensemen within the league—on his facet, Rielly could have the proper security internet. Tanev’s capability to close down opposing prime strains offers Rielly the inexperienced gentle to deal with his offensive strengths, which may unlock his full potential.
Motive Two: Rielly Performs for a Robust, Offensively Succesful Group
The Maple Leafs made a number of key strikes this offseason, bringing forwards and defensemen that enhance their depth and adaptability. This bolstered roster may assist Rielly maximize his scoring alternatives. With potent scoring threats upfront and a extra well-rounded protection, Rielly will discover extra probabilities to affix the frenzy and contribute to the offense, giving him a shot at surpassing his earlier profession highs.
For his half, Rielly will act as a frontrunner. His defensive corps consists of a number of seasoned stalwarts, which would require his focus and onerous work. It might be a strong protection and one of many workforce’s greatest over the previous few seasons. Count on that to convey out the perfect in Rielly.
Motive Three: Rielly Is Gaining Confidence and Momentum
Rielly has begun main his workforce in the course of the playoffs for the previous two years. There, he’s arguably one of many Maple Leafs’ greatest gamers. There’s an excellent probability that momentum will carry over into the brand new season, giving him the boldness to take extra dangers and elevate his sport. With Tanev behind him and a robust supporting forged, Rielly could have the platform he wants for a breakout season.
Add the soundness of realizing his function because the workforce’s number-one defenseman, and Rielly may come near a point-a-game season. Can he break the 80-point barrier? Maybe not. Nonetheless, he may come shut.
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