Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Confirms Demotion for Defenseman Morgan Rielly

Amid questions over his long-term future with the Toronto Maple Leafs, defenceman Morgan Rielly has begun to see his assignments changing under head coach Craig Berube.

Some analysts already believe Morgan Rielly's contract may become a major issue for the Maple Leafs, and his recent demotion from the team's first power play unit is more evidence of a reduced workload and less trust for the team's longest-tenured player.

Luke Fox of Sportsnet reports that after starting the season on PP1, Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann are now regulars there in his spot.

Berube said he's spoken to Rielly about it, and Rielly's main concern is winning, not where he slots into the lineup. By all accounts, Rielly is doing his best to be a good soldier, allowing the coaching staff to do what they think is best for the team.

Trade proposals are already coming to the forefront when it comes to Rielly's future with the Leafs, but there is one big stumbling block.

As seen on Puckpedia, Rielly has four more seasons left on his current contract after this one ends, with an annual cap hit of $7.5 million. It's not an easy contract to move, especially when it involves a player who seems to be on a downswing. Rielly also has some trade protection built into his contract.

There may be an internal answer to the Morgan Rielly conundrum, but for now, fans will have to be content with his diminished role, unless he can show he deserves more.