Toronto Maple Leafs Star Defenseman Placed on LTIR

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed Morgan Rielly on long-term injured reserve. NHL insider Darren Dreger noted that there are "rumblings" that Rielly is dealing with a grade 1 or 2 MCL injury. If this holds true, the star defenseman will be out for the next four to six weeks.

Rumblings of a grade 1 or 2 MCL injury for Rielly which would align with LTIR and a 4-6 week recovery. https://t.co/ztiwP7wkxq
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) November 22, 2022

As we reported on Tuesday (Nov. 22) morning, Reilly left Monday's game early with a knee injury. Now, we have a better understanding of the severity of his injury, and it certainly is not ideal news in the slightest. The Leafs will now be moving forward without three key defensemen in Jake Muzzin, T.J. Brodie, and Rielly.

Rielly's LTIR placement temporarily gives the Leafs even more financial wiggle room to make an addition to their defensive group. This should be an avenue GM Kyle Dubas considers from here.

In 20 games this season, Rielly has 16 assists and a minus-1 rating.