Morgan Rielly to join Toronto Maple Leafs teammate John Tavares at the IIHF World Hockey Championships in Switzerland

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly is heading to the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland in a move that surprised many in the NHL, following Toronto's disappointing run this season. He will join his teammate, John Tavares, at the World Hockey Championships, which is slated to start on May 15, 2026.Meanwhile, trade buzz around Morgan Rielly surged following the shocking firing of GM Brad Treliving, which reignited speculation about a roster overhaul after the Leafs missed the NHL playoffs for the first time in a decade. According to the latest trade reports, the Chicago Blackhawks could be a team willing to explore what it would take to acquire Rielly, as it looks to acquire young talent to rebuild. However, it has not been confirmed yet.After a disappointing run at the IIHF World Hockey Championships, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly is all set to represent Canada at the IIHF World Championship in Switzerland According to reports from TSN insider Darren Dreger, Rielly has agreed to join Team Canada for the upcoming tournament, and this comes shortly after the Maple Leafs’ campaign ended, allowing the veteran blueliner to reset after one of the most challenging seasons of his NHL career. He also noted that Reilly will join Maple Leafs superstar John Tavares at the upcoming tournament.Taking to his Twitter/X account, “Team Canada has added some big names to its Men’s World roster. Celebrini, McKenna, Scheifele, Barzal all committed. Morgan Rielly has agreed to go to Switzerland as well. More to come.” Morgan Rielly had a very disappointing season with the Maple Leafs. He fell short of expectations heading into what was seen as a crucial season for his career. Reports suggest that Rielly is coming off the worst season of his career. The 32-year-old was on the ice for the second-most five-on-five goals in the entire NHL, due to his defensive play falling off a cliff.According to the NHL, he had scored 11 goals, 25 assists, gaining 36 points in 78 total games played. However, it is expected that, representing Team Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championship, Rielly could gain back his confidence and re-find the form he had once.It is to be noted that not only Rielly, alongside the Maple Leafs forward, but also other prominent players, Macklin Celebrini, Mathew Barzal, Mark Scheifele, and Gavin McKenna, will also be joining Rielly in Switzerland and will play for Team Canada this year.