Where does Rielly sit for Leaf Defencemen?

[Dustin]

Over the last 30 years. So since 1988. Let's keep it to players who weren't rentals although the Leafs haven't really had a ton of success with defensive rentals.

Edit* Way to late for me to be posting apparently as I couldn't even do simple math. Meant to say 30 years of course.

Click to read more...

 

[Marshy]

Over the last 40 years. So since 1988. Let's keep it to players who weren't rentals although the Leafs haven't really had a ton of success with defensive rentals.

1988 is 30 years ago.

 

[A1LeafNation]

1. Berard
2. Rielly
3. Kaberle
4. McCabe

 

[Marshy]

Bobby Svehla twerked for us real hard.

 

[Duke Silver]

Wooof, not a great complement of players since then.

In no order, here are the contenders IMO:

Kaberle
McCabe
Iafrate
T. Gill
Ellett
Rielly
Phaneuf
Gardiner
Yushkevich
Svehla
Markov

Safe to say Rielly is top-5?

 

[zeke]

best since salming

 

[Tavares to Marner]

Unironically Kaberle so far

 

[diceman934]

best since salming

And so underrated here it is criminal. Not only a great player but as low as maintenance as you can get. Never complains, never refuses an interview or signing autographs, says all the things a good team mates says. Plays either side of the ice equal as well. What ever a coach asks him to do he will. Carlyle want him to hit more he did. Babcock wanted him to play conservative and he does. A coaches dream and I know from experience!

 

[Nithoniniel]

Best since Salming sounds about right to me, but I'm not very good at the historical angle.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

TIL I'm 42 years old.

 

[Bluelines]

Assuming he is not a cyborg, he sits on his butt like the rest of us.

 

[LeafFever]

Rielly is the best underrated D in the entire NHL.

 

[bluumax]

I dont know if id put him in front of Kaberle yet

 

[diceman934]

I dont know if id put him in front of Kaberle yet

Well Kaberle was very good he however lack the stones to take a check to make a play. Both good skaters and good passer. The difference is that Rielly is a more dynamic skater as well is more physical and will shoot the puck something Kaberle hardly did. As well as Kaberle played with much better D partners.

 

[Spirit of 67]

Over the last 40 years. So since 1988. Let's keep it to players who weren't rentals although the Leafs haven't really had a ton of success with defensive rentals.

Start with basic math.

Then maybe try posting on HF.

 

[Spirit of 67]

I have to agree with the best since Salming comments.

Though, HOF'er Larry Murphy qualifies.

 

[Suntouchable13]

He is overrated by you guys, I think. I'd rank Kabby and McCabe ahead of him for sure.

 

[Trapper]

Assuming he is not a cyborg, he sits on his butt like the rest of us.

I'm glad someone posted this to the title of the thread.
I also would have accepted, well, if he's not sleeping on Oz, I guess he sits in his designated spot in the locker room.

 

[lifelonghockeyfan]

Their best defence...and maybe the best group of Dmen had since the 1967, was in early 90s.
Rouse and Lefevyre. Gill and Ellett, McCouen and Mironov. I know I missed someone.
Collectively that was great group. I know folks talk about having this mystical # 1 Dman that will bring a team success, but especially in the cap era, having a six competent Dman and they might be just #2 and # 3 according to the inane rating system, might be the best way to build a successful team.

Reilly could the Ellett in the new look Leafs. You wouldn't know by looking at the names above, but Rouse, Gill even Lefevyre and McCouen....really tough players. Good Dmen and when riled, mean.

 

[al secord]

Our early 90's D was very solid as a group, but I don't think any ONE player stands out for me as better than Rielly.

However, I still think Morgan has a way to go before I put him ahead of Kaberle. I think he'll get there eventually.

Kaberle was smart, cold as ice and smooth as silk.

 

[Nizdizzle]

Severe lack of Martin Skoula in this thread.

 

[Bluelines]

Start with basic math.

Then maybe try posting on HF.

errrr...43 years?

 

[ULF_55]

Too soon to judge.

I hope he has more to give.

For me he lacks that intuitive proactive play that determines those who are most proficient at their position.

 

[TheProspector]

best since salming

Don't know if joking or

 

[Diamond Joe Quimby]

best since salming

Peak Kaberle (02/03 and 05/06) and peak McCabe (03/04 and 05/06) were both superior to what we've seen from Rielly to date.

Doesn't mean he doesn't have the capacity to be better, which I believe he does.

If we're including one year guys, I'd include 02/03 Svehla and 95/96 Larry Murphy ahead of him as well.