Rielly and Nurse Trades Loom as Maple Leafs and Oilers Seek Western Moves

Morgan Rielly listed four Western Conference teams for a possible trade on June 24, 2026, with San Jose and Anaheim emerging as leading candidates.

Rielly’s Western Options Gain Momentum

Pierre LeBrun reported that Morgan Rielly might move before Darnell Nurse, with efforts underway in both cases. Rielly’s eight-year contract carries a $7.5 million cap hit through 2030.

San Jose stands out because the Sharks need experienced defensemen after years of rebuilding. Anaheim also fits after losing John Carlson and facing holes on the blue line.

Howard Berger indicated unofficially that Rielly will go to San Jose with some salary retention for a middle-round draft pick. Rielly’s stock has fallen and Toronto has made clear his time there is over.

The Maple Leafs hold four Western teams on Rielly’s no-movement clause list. If no deal closes in the next week or two, Rielly may expand the list to aid the front office.

A trade would send a middle-round pick back to Toronto while shedding the $7.5 million annual hit starting in 2026-27.

Nurse Trade Stalls Amid Short List

Darnell Nurse submitted a short list of teams to the Oilers, who now spend most of their time sorting the request. His eight-year deal carries a $9.25 million cap hit through 2030.

Edmonton remains far from a completed deal as of June 25, 2026, though conversations continue across the league. The Oilers may need to expand the list to find a match.

Nurse has four seasons remaining after the current year. Any trade would require finding a partner willing to absorb most of the $9.25 million hit.

The contrast with Rielly is clear: Toronto appears closer to resolution while Edmonton faces more internal work on Nurse’s destination.

Western teams remain the only realistic landing spots given Nurse’s preferences.

Cap Relief and Draft Returns Shape Futures

Both contracts total 16 years and $134 million in original value, with four seasons left apiece. Moving them would free $16.75 million in combined cap space for 2026-27.

Toronto gains a middle-round pick and roster flexibility. Edmonton acquires assets while addressing a request that has occupied most of their offseason focus.

San Jose and Anaheim gain veteran leadership at reduced cost through retention. The Sharks and Ducks both need immediate blue-line help.

Rielly’s experience benefits a young Sharks group, while Nurse’s physical style could stabilize another Western pairing.

These moves set up both original teams for younger defensive cores ahead of the 2026-27 season.