NHL rumors: Insider lists $60,000,000 Maple Leafs D-man as trade target with Toronto "looking at all options" after rocky start

According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has emerged as a notable trade target amid the team’s underperforming season.

In his latest column for The Athletic, Johnston included Rielly on his trade board, reporting that the Maple Leafs’ front office, led by GM Brad Treliving, is exploring all avenues to shake up the roster—particularly on defense.

"The longest-tenured member of the Maple Leafs owns a no-movement clause and no apparent desire for a change of scenery. However, a tough start to the season in Toronto has left management looking at all options," Johnston wrote.

"Rielly had a heart-to-heart with GM Brad Treliving in May and responded with a big summer, but the team is still searching for the right mix on its blue line. While Rielly's skating may not be the separator it once was, he still does a strong job of getting his team playing offense and is a high-character player."

Morgan Rielly is the longest-tenured player on the current Leafs roster. He’s currently signed to an eight-year, $60 million contract with the Leafs, which includes a full no-movement clause.

He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2029-30 season. The 31-year-old has accumulated 16 points through three goals and 13 assists this season.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM takes full responsibility for team's underperforming season

Earlier on Tuesday, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving held a press conference to address the team’s underperforming season so far.

The GM expressed disappointment that the team has fallen well short of expectations and took full responsibility on his shoulders:

"As we sit here today, we're not where we want to be, or we're not where we envision being," Treliving said. "Obviously, we've underperformed to this point, and I take full responsibility.

He added:

"I'm in charge of the hockey department. I've put the people in place, on the ice and off the ice, so the responsibility lies with myself, and we start today and every day trying to get ourselves back up and going and improve where we are.

The Maple Leafs are coming off a 3-2 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues in their recent matchup. They sit 15th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 9-9-2 record. They host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.