Morgan Rielly Reacts to His Reduced Role With the Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly has commented on his reduction in ice-time and his new defensive partner after he was split from Philippe Myers.
Despite the Toronto Maple Leafs' success so far this season, it's been a tough year for defenceman Morgan Rielly.
Rielly saw his ice time slashed significantly in the Leafs' blowout win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.
In the very next game, against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Rielly received a new D partner as he was paired with Jake McCabe rather than Philippe Myers. McCabe, one of the team's premier shutdown defensemen, should have made real difference for Rielly. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way.
Asked about his recent struggles and new partner by reporters, Rielly insisted that his lack of offense this season isn't really on his mind.
As for his new defensive partner Jake McCabe, Rielly believes it's a great fit.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube agreed, saying he thought the Rielly-McCabe pairing was "solid" against the Lightning.
Unfortunately, the pair has struggled in the early-going and Rielly himself had finished a -2 last night against Columbus. Any new pairing can take some time to develop chemistry, but they're off to a concerning start.
Amid questions over his long-term future with the Maple Leafs, Rielly appears to be doing all he can to help the team and to get back to the offensive threat that he can be on the ice.
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