Leafs Win Against Jets Saturday – Who Is On The Move? – Rielly Stepping Up

It has been known for a few weeks now that the Maple Leafs are not making the playoffs this year (surprise surprise) which now means in such a deep draft year the hope of every Leafs fan is for them to topple down the standings in order to get the highest pick in the draft possible.

Saturday night in Toronto the Leafs took on the Winnipeg Jets in spirited effort by both clubs with James Van Riemsdyk potting the winner in overtime. Now although this may be a bummer for Leafs Nation that the team won, the simple fact is that with 23 games remaining in the season, there will be some wins here and there. Leo Komarov started the night for the Leafs with a top corner blast short-handed to take the lead in what ended up being a 4-3 win. Still no Dion Phaneuf back in the lineup but is slated to make his return from Injury Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers.

With the March 2^nd trade deadline nearing, many names have been tossed into the mix of who could be on the move next for the Leafs. Big names like Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf, Phil Kessel, and Tyler Bozak have been heard in rumours for weeks, but it is the likes of depth player Daniel Winnik to be on the move next. Many teams have shown interest in the surprising Winnik, having been one of the best players on the Leafs roster during the great downfall this year. The Maple Leafs are most likely hoping for a 2^nd round pick as well as a prospect in exchange for Winnik, with teams like the Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburg Penguins interested in acquiring his services.

Another one of the bright spots during this brutal season for the Leafs has been their youngest defenseman Morgan Rielly. Head coach Peter Horachek has definitely taken confidence in the 20 year old, and Rielly has rolled with it. Rielly has been on the ice a lot during the last few games, over 25 minutes in the last 3 contests, which is usually reserved for the leagues best. No doubt that ice time will fall when team captain Dion Phaneuf returns on Thursday, but it just goes to show the trust that Horachek has in Rielly, who has shown flashes of brilliance. Fans and Insiders believe although no player seems untouchable on Toronto right now, Morgan Rielly is one player you want sticking around for a long time.