Maple Leafs Defenseman Morgan Rielly Demoted Amid Nightmare Season
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly is arguably having the worst season of his career, so it should come as no surprise that he would be demoted.
Game after game, Morgan Rielly has been chastised on social media for his poor defensive effort and depleted offensive ability.
With a net rating of -14 and just 20 points in 44 games, there is no doubt that the Maple Leafs assistant captain is punching well below his weight.
Morgan Rielly taken off the Power Play
Fans have been waiting for the team to take action, and on Monday, that is exactly what they did, albeit in less dramatic fashion.
Rielly had been playing on the first Power Play unit with John Tavares, Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander.
However, he has since been demoted to the second Power Play unit as Matthew Knies got a promotion back to the PP1.
This isn't the first time the Maple Leafs have experimented with five forwards on the Power Play this season.
Having said that, Morgan Rielly has always been strong on offense, so it comes as a bit of a surprise that he has been rendered ineffective on special teams.
One has to wonder what is going on with Rielly, especially since his struggles have been so dramatic and noticeable.
Perhaps the defenseman is suffering an injury that no one knows about. Or he could simply be exhausted from his duties as a new father.
Whatever the case may be, the Toronto Maple Leafs need better from their former 5th overall pick.
