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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly‘s ranking on Bleacher Report’s top rankings has fans befuddled and wondering how he got such a low rating overall.
Although he hasn’t had the explosiveness that fans expect of him, Morgan Rielly has no doubt been a mainstay for the Maple Leafs and has seen the highs and lows of the team, and has stuck through it all no matter what.
However according to Bleacher Report, Rielly’s regression has earned him a huge step back when it comes to being listed as one of the top defenders in the league, and in a new ranking system has the Leafs blueliner at a shocking number.
How Rielly’s Ranking Stacks Up Against Other NHL Defensemen
Rielly comes in ranked 22nd overall in between Erik Karlsson at 21, and Vince Dunn at 23, which in the case of the former is also a bit stunning given his legacy and elite ability long into his career.Rielly behind the likes of Drew Doughty (who missed the majority of the year with an injury), Jake Sanderson (a solid, but young defenseman who still is coming into his own) and Moritz Seider (who has the same output as Rielly but is just younger) is a bit perplexing, and even though he’s struggled a bit doesn’t take away his talent.
Why Morgan Rielly’s Ranking Has Leafs Fans Fired Up
He’s unbelievably durable, and while he certainly leaves something to be desired defensively, he can still be a huge contributor and is often one of the team’s best come postseason time.
It could be seen as a bit disrespectful to give a veteran who has been consistent and reliable over the last decade such a low ranking, and regardless of his shortcomings at times, he is still a key part of the team and is one of their best defensemen ever.
Rielly gets a lot of flak but that’s often due to the high pressure placed on him as the de facto #1 defenseman, but if there’s anyone who bleeds blue and white it’s Rielly; and the fans know how much he cares about the team.
It feels like another shot at the Maple Leafs, who are often overlooked due to their consistent failures in the playoffs, but that’s hardly Rielly’s fault and he deserves a little bit more attention.
Some Leafs faithful weren’t too pleased with the ranking either:
However some believed that while Rielly did deserve a bit of attention, there was another Maple Leaf who should have had a bit more consideration as well:
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Morgan Rielly’s NHL Ranking Sparks Major Debate Among Leafs Fans: ‘That’s Nonsense’
Should Morgan Rielly’s ranking be higher?