Morgan Rielly gave a very blunt answer when asked about being a #1 defenceman

BarDown Staff

McLennan: For me Rielly’s play is the biggest story of the Leafs’ season so far

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly is on pace for a career year but hockey fans are still wondering a very important question about him; is he in fact a #1 blue-liner?

The 24-year-old has already notched 9 goals and 16 assists in just 20 games and his plus/minus ranked 15^th in the league heading into tonight at plus-10. On paper, Rielly is easily a number one d-man, however, his play has improved so significantly this season that people simply aren’t sure what to think of him yet. When asked about how he’ll know if he’s become a number one defenceman yet, the B.C. native kept his answer very short.

Morgan Rielly on how he’ll know if he’s become a number one defenceman:

“I don’t know. I’ll let you know.”@markhmasters: “I’ll be here!”

Rielly, walking away: “Thannnnk god” pic.twitter.com/eD6CL9LuBr
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) November 19, 2018

Well what else was he supposed to say?!

Rielly did however touch on what’s been different this season compared to those past.

Morgan Rielly on what's different for him this season than others: "A lot of new faces compared to the first couple years. Things have changed, players have changed, the way we play as a team is different and that tends to impact guys in positive ways, when your team is better."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) November 19, 2018

Rielly’s 25 points rank first among defenceman and second overall on the Leafs. If he keeps up this pace, Rielly might not only solidify himself as a #1 guy…

… he could solidify himself as one of the best in the league with a Norris Trophy.

(H/T Kristen Shilton)