Morgan Rielly and Matthew Knies appear on The Athletic's offseason trade board

Morgan Rielly ranks fifth and Matthew Knies ranks 12th based on market impact and surrounding buzz. Rielly’s future with the Leafs has been uncertain for several summers, while Knies had been rumored in trade discussions around the deadline. Toronto is entering a period of change with a new management group and an upcoming coaching staff hire. Rielly, the longest-tenured Leaf, has previously resisted waiving his no-movement clause but has recently softened. He still controls outcomes through the contract mechanism, yet a fresh start appears increasingly likely. He has four seasons remaining on a $7.5 million AAV contract with a no-movement clause, which could limit the quality return in a trade. Moving on would represent a major shift in efforts to reshape the defensive lineup.

"With a new management group running the front office and a new coaching staff soon to be hired, this is a time of change in Toronto. That means the writing is on the wall for Rielly, the Leafs' longest-tenured player, who has previously been unwilling to consider waiving his no-movement clause but has since softened on that stance. He still controls the process because of that mechanism in his contract, but a fresh start is looking increasingly likely."

"Rielly has long maintained his stance that he loves being in Toronto and is unwilling to leave, so the fact that his stance on the matter has begun to soften is a surprising development. He is the longest-serving member on the team, having been drafted fifth overall in 2012 and making his debut during the 2013-14 season, and has been through a lot during his 14 years donning the Blue and White. There is certainly still a quality player with plenty of runway left in his career, but it is starting to seem more likely that his days as a Leaf may be coming to an end."

"Given the fact that he still has four seasons remaining on his contract that carries an $7.5 million AAV and a no-movement clause, a potential trade package would not garner the Leafs a lot of quality back. With that being said, moving on from Rielly would mark a significant step in John Chayka and Mats Sundin's mission to change the makeup of the blueline and perhaps there is a team that could bring forth a decent e"

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