The rumor mill is churning with a potential blockbuster trade involving Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly and the Edmonton Oilers. The hypothetical deal, which has gained traction in hockey circles, sparks debate about its feasibility and benefits for both clubs.

The proposed trade would see Toronto sending Rielly to Edmonton, with the Leafs retaining $2.5 million of his salary. In return, the Oilers would send forward Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional second-round pick to Toronto. The pick would upgrade to a first-rounder if the Oilers win the Stanley Cup.

Rielly, 31, is currently signed at $7.5 million AAV (Average Annual Value) through 2030. The defenseman has been a mainstay in Toronto since being drafted fifth overall in 2012. While Rielly has consistently provided offensive contributions from the blue line, his defensive play has faced scrutiny. Some observers believe he has not lived up to the expectations of a top-pairing defenseman, particularly given his lucrative contract.

For the Maple Leafs, trading Rielly could offer several advantages. It would free up valuable cap space, providing flexibility to address other roster needs. Acquiring Mangiapane, a skilled and versatile forward, could inject more depth into Toronto's forward lines. The conditional draft pick adds another asset for the future.

However, parting ways with their longest-tenured player would not be an easy decision for the Leafs. Rielly is a respected leader in the locker room and has been a significant part of the team's core for many years. Moreover, his offensive capabilities from the back end would be missed.

From the Oilers' perspective, acquiring Rielly could address their need for a puck-moving defenseman. The Oilers' current top defensive pairing consists of Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard. While effective, adding Rielly could provide another dimension to their defense and potentially bolster their power play.

However, Rielly's contract is a significant commitment, and the Oilers would need to carefully consider the long-term financial implications. Additionally, some analysts question whether Rielly is the ideal fit for the Oilers, given their existing defensive structure.

Several factors could derail this potential trade. Rielly's contract includes a no-movement clause, granting him the right to veto any trade. Therefore, he would need to agree to a move to Edmonton for the deal to materialize. Furthermore, both teams would need to be convinced that the trade aligns with their long-term strategic goals.

While the rumor of Morgan Rielly potentially joining the Oilers has generated considerable buzz, its realization remains uncertain. The proposed trade presents potential benefits and drawbacks for both teams, and several obstacles would need to be overcome for it to come to fruition. Whether this rumor has legs remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly fuels speculation as the trade deadline approaches.