Kevin Bieksa speculates 4 major reasons behind $60,000,000 Toronto Maple Leafs D-man's struggles

Kevin Bieksa discussed Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly’s struggles during Saturday's broadcast on Sportsnet. He outlined four main reasons for the defenseman’s challenges this season. Rielly, once a key contributor for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has faced criticism for not meeting expectations. His standout 2018-19 season, with 20 goals and 72 points, now seems like an exception.

Bieksa pointed out that Rielly, who is signed to a contract worth $60,000,000, has had many defense partners this season, including Conor Timmins and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. This lack of consistency makes it hard for Rielly to trust his partner and play confidently.

Bieksa also talked about the Leafs’ defensive system. The current system keeps defensemen closer to the net, limiting Rielly’s offensive opportunities. While he is encouraged to use his skating to join attacks, the system holds him back. This has made it harder for him to contribute offensively.

Bieksa also noticed signs that Rielly’s confidence might be fading. Rielly switched from white to black tape on his stick. Bieksa believes this could be a sign that Rielly is looking for something to spark his game.

"Is it there? Is it not I know the Morgan Rilley I played with always used white tape on a stick the World Championship," Bieksa said. "There's always white. I've never, ever seen him with anything other than, until recently, black tape. That makes me think he's looking for something different."

"He's looking for a different look, a different spark. And I wonder, is the confidence wavering a little bit? Still, a great player still having a decent season. But I think you're going to start to start to see more and more and not down the stretch."

Another factor is his reduced role in the power play. Rielly, once a regular on the top unit, now plays in the second group. The second unit lacks the firepower of players like Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander. This change has cost him 15 to 20 points, making it unlikely for him to reach 50- or 60-point seasons.

Despite these struggles, Bieksa said Rielly is still a skilled player having a decent season.

Toronto Maple Leafs’ disappointing 2-1 loss to Senators

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost 2-1 to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. This was their second consecutive loss after losing 5-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube talked about the loss and said (via NHL.com):

“(Leafs) defended hard. I thought that the guys dug in…But in the end, we just didn’t score enough.”

Bobby McMann scored first for Toronto at 3:46 in the first period, giving Toronto a 1-0 lead. He received a pass from Mitch Marner and shot from the high slot.

Tim Stutzle tied the game for Ottawa during a 4-on-3 power play at 10:43 of the second period. Shane Pinto scored the game-winner at 10:47 in the third period. Joseph Woll made 21 saves for Toronto. Ottawa’s Anton Forsberg stopped 28 shots. Despite solid defense, Toronto couldn’t score again.