When you talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs history, you’re diving into over a century of hockey, 13 Stanley Cups, Hall of Famers, dynasties, droughts, legends, and heartbreak. Legendary defencemen like Tim Horton, Borje Salming, King Clancy, and Red Kelly helped define eras. They shaped the identity of the franchise. So the question we ask today is, does Morgan Rielly belong among them? Our short answer is yes. But how can we come to such a definite decision. The timing is fitting, as Rielly just moved into second by himself in Leafs franchise points by a defenceman.
Morgan Rielly’s Case
Drafted fifth overall in 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Morgan Rielly has quietly become one of the most reliable and impactful defencemen Toronto has had in generations. He’s played over 800 games for the Leafs and surpassed 500 career points, including a 72-point season in 2018–19, the fifth-highest single-season total by a defenceman in team history. In the playoffs, where every mistake is magnified, he’s stepped up with 47 points in 70 games, and over 24 minutes of ice time per night.
Defensively, he’ll never be labeled a pure shutdown guy like Tim Horton or Allan Stanley, but he has evolved. Over his last three seasons, he’s averaged more than 100 blocked shots per year, consistently leads the team in defensive-zone breakouts, and maintains a positive expected goals percentage (xG%) at five-on-five despite regularly facing elite matchups such as Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak, Sidney Crosby, you name it. Rielly drives transition better than any Leafs defenceman in the last 30 years.
He’s never won a Norris Trophy, but he’s been the Leafs’ No. 1 defenceman for roughly eight-straight seasons, something no one in Toronto has done since Borje Salming.
Where He Ranks: Top-5 Defencemen in Maple Leafs History
1. Borje Salming (1973–1989)
- 1,099 games, 768 points
- First European superstar in Toronto
- Revolutionized puck-moving defence
- Six-time NHL All-Star, Hall of Famer (1996)
2. Tim Horton (1949–1970)
- 1,185 games, 458 points
- Four-time Stanley Cup Champion
- Six-time NHL All-Star (First/Second Team)
- Hall of Famer (1977)
3. King Clancy (1930–1937)
- 595 games, 238 points
- 1932 Stanley Cup Champion
- Hall of Famer (1958), NHL’s King Clancy Trophy named in his honour
4. Morgan Rielly (2013–Present)
- 800+ games, 500+ points
- Fifth-most points in a single season by a Leafs defenceman (72 in 2018–19)
- 2024 NHL All-Star, longest-tenured active Leaf
5. Allan Stanley (1958–1968)
- 1,244 games, 433 points
- Three-time Stanley Cup Champion
- Hall of Famer (1981)
Leader On and Off the Ice
Rielly may not wear the “C,” but he leads this team as much as anyone. He’s usually the first player to meet the media after a tough loss, taking accountability while shielding his teammates. Inside the room, he sets the pace, whether it’s work ethic in practice, composure during adversity, or helping younger players feel part of the group. When things go sideways, he’s the one calming the bench, speaking during intermissions, and reinforcing the team’s identity. His leadership isn’t loud or dramatic, rather it’s consistent and respected. The kind of leadership Toronto has relied on for the past decade.
Rielly Elevates Stars Around Him
Whether he’s on the ice with Auston Matthews, William Nylander, or Mitch Marner, Rielly makes star players better. His clean breakout passes allow Toronto’s forwards to attack with speed, and his ability to join the rush creates extra space and passing lanes. He drives offence but doesn’t abandon responsibility. When a turnover happens, he’s the first one back, breaking up odd-man rushes, blocking shots, and defending top competition while logging 20+ minutes a night.
He’s the perfect blend of creativity and dependability. Late in close games or during long defensive shifts, Rielly doesn’t panic. He makes the smart play, settles things down, and gives his stars the freedom to play their game knowing he’s behind them.
Final Verdict
Yes, Morgan Rielly is without question one of the top-five defencemen in Toronto Maple Leafs history. He doesn’t have the Cups of Horton or the barrier-breaking legacy of Salming, but in the modern era, nobody has matched his blend of offence, minutes, leadership, and playoff impact. And if he continues on this pace, especially if he helps bring playoff success, he could one day enter the conversation with the top two.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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