Late in Saturday's game against the Vancouver Canucks, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that defenseman Morgan Rielly would not return due to an upper-body injury. The announcement was made prior to the start of the third period. The specifics surrounding the injury, including when and how it occurred, remain unclear.

Rielly, a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs' defense, had played 12:34 of ice time across 19 shifts before exiting the game. During that time, he recorded one blocked shot and was on the ice for both of Vancouver's goals.

The loss of Rielly is a significant blow to the Maple Leafs, who have been struggling to maintain consistency this season. Already missing defenseman Chris Tanev, Rielly's absence further weakens the team's defensive core.

The 31-year-old Rielly has seven goals and 31 points through 54 games this season. While his offensive output has been solid, his defensive play has faced scrutiny, contributing to a plus/minus rating of -17. He has been on the ice for a league-worst 63 goals against at 5-on-5 this season.

The Maple Leafs are currently navigating a challenging period, having lost six consecutive games, including a winless five-game homestand. This slump has pushed them further from a playoff position, increasing the pressure on the team to turn things around.

The team will face the Calgary Flames on Monday and the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday before the Olympic break. The break could provide an opportunity for injured players to recover. If Rielly is unable to play against Calgary, Simon Benoit is a likely candidate to re-enter the lineup.

Rielly's future with the Maple Leafs has been a topic of discussion, with some suggesting that the team might consider trading him.

As the Maple Leafs await further updates on Rielly's condition, the team will need to find ways to compensate for his absence and address their recent struggles.