Craig Berube Calls Out Leafs Defenseman Morgan Rielly, Reveals What He Needs From Him
Photo credit: Maple Leafs Hot Stove
Morgan Rielly has been called out by Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube, who took some time to explain exactly what he needs from the offensive defender.
With Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly recently opening up on his on-ice struggles as his hellish season continues, his coach is making it clear that the team needs more from him.
Leafs coach Craig Berube was somewhat easy on Morgan Rielly while discussing his season with the media after the team's most recent practice, but still took the time to make sure he was direct on what was needed from the longest-tenured Leaf going forward in the 2024-25 season.
"Moving pucks for sure - he is a good puck mover who sees the ice well - and activating as a defenseman. In the offensive zone, again, it's about activating when he can and being more aggressive on the offensive side of things. On the other side of things, he hasn't produced enough points as he has in the past. We are going to need that from him."
With Rielly making $7.5 million per season until 2029-30, it shouldn't come as a surprise that trade proposals involving the 30-year-old have begun picking up steam amongst the Toronto media.
At the same time, Berube is focused on Rielly getting better now, rather than stoking the fire on trade rumours.
"He has to be mentally tough and keep fighting through it, which he is. My conversations with him have been good. He is looking at everything. He is watching his shifts. He feels good. He is training. He is looking after himself. He is doing all the right things, and he is going to come out of it. He just has to keep battling."
Rielly and the Maple Leafs have three games left before the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
He'll continue, for now, with Philippe Myers as his defensive partner, with Berube stating Myers needs to stick to his stay-at-home defensive style while getting pucks to Rielly to move to the offensive zone.
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