Rielly Canadian Roots Make a U.S. Trade Almost Impossible
There’s been some talk lately about Morgan Rielly possibly being on the move from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Much of that talk is, as it should be, about hockey trades, contracts, and no-trade clauses. But for Rielly, hockey is a big part of his life — it isn’t his entire life.
Let’s step back and think about who Rielly is as a person. That’s where the story gets more interesting. Rielly isn’t just a defenceman who logs big minutes. He’s thoughtful, intentional, and known for being community-oriented. He has long supported marginalized groups and has used his platform in Toronto to promote inclusion and equality — at least publicly, based on what I’ve seen.
Rielly Is Married to Tessa Virtue, a Deeply Canadian Icon.
Tessa Virtue, along with Scott Moir, is one of Canada’s most celebrated ice dancers. She first competed in the Olympics in 2006 at just 18, earning silver in ice dance. In Vancouver in 2010, she and Moir made history by winning Canada’s first-ever Olympic gold in the discipline. They returned in 2018 for gold in the team event and silver in ice dance. Her achievements helped cement her place as an Olympic legend in Canada.
Virtue is admired not just for her medals, but for her composure, professionalism, and the way she has represented Canada on the world stage. She reflects values — dedication, grace, and resilience — that resonate widely with Canadians.
Rielly and Virtue Probably Wouldn’t Move to the United States.
Rielly has built his adult life in Toronto with Virtue. She’s not simply a hockey spouse; she has her own legacy and identity. Their Canadian roots appear central to their life decisions. For that reason, a move to the U.S. might be unlikely for them — not out of criticism, but simply preference and familiarity.
Players move all the time — Mitch Marner went to Vegas, and he’s as Canadian as they come — but Rielly’s situation feels different. Hockey is a significant part of his world, but not the only part. Rielly and Virtue now have a family, and that alone can shape what a relocation looks like.
Both of them seem to have a clear sense of the environments they want to live in. A move to the U.S. might not line up with their priorities right now. Geography could matter, too. Rielly grew up in North Vancouver. Virtue is from London, Ontario. They know Canada well, and Vancouver would put them close to one side of their family roots. The United States is simply less familiar territory for them. Hockey is a job — but this is their life.
Waiving a No-Trade Clause Is One Thing, Leaving Canada Is Another.
Yes, there’s talk about Rielly waiving his no-trade clause. When he signed that clause, it likely reflected his preferences for where he wants to live, where he wants to raise a family, and the kind of lifestyle he values. A move within Canada — Vancouver in particular — might fit that picture. A move to the U.S. seems less likely.
At the end of the day, hockey and life intersect in ways fans don’t always see. For some players, a trade isn’t just a roster shuffle. It’s a choice about home, family, and identity. For Morgan Rielly and Tessa Virtue, Canada isn’t just where they work — it’s where they live, where they feel grounded, and the place they’re likely to stay.