Morgan Rielly Bio
Morgan Frederick Rielly is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently serves as a defenceman and alternate captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 9, 1994, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Rielly was drafted 5th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft after playing for the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Recognized for his impactful performances, he represents Canada internationally, having earned a gold medal at the 2016 World Championship. Rielly recently married Canadian ice dancer Tessa Virtue, and they welcomed their first child in July 2024.
Early Life and Background
Morgan Rielly was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. Growing up, he was a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, influenced by his family’s roots in Hamilton, Ontario. His mother, Shirley, is a cancer researcher and owns a medical company, while he has an older brother. Rielly’s heritage includes Irish descent, which adds to his diverse background. He began playing minor ice hockey for the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, where he developed his skills and passion for the sport.
Path to Hockey
Rielly was selected second overall by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the 2009 WHL bantam draft, marking the beginning of his journey in competitive hockey. In his final season with the Hounds, he was the top-scoring defenceman in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League, showcasing his talent with 55 points in 43 games. After joining the Warriors for the 2010–11 WHL season, Rielly quickly established himself as a top prospect for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Despite suffering a serious knee injury during the 2011–12 season, he was still ranked fifth among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, leading to his selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Morgan Rielly Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
Rielly made his professional debut at the end of the 2012–13 season with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). He made the Maple Leafs’ roster out of training camp at the start of the 2013–14 NHL season and made his NHL debut on October 5, 2013, against the Ottawa Senators. On December 16, 2013, Rielly scored his first NHL goal against Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
Breakthrough (2015–2019)
Throughout the 2015–16 season, Rielly earned praise from Maple Leafs’ head coach Mike Babcock and saw an increase in ice time, often appearing on the top pairing for the club. He signed a six-year, $30 million contract on April 13, 2016, and was named as one of the Maple Leafs’ alternate captains before the 2016–17 season. Rielly recorded his first career four-point game on November 11, 2016, and finished the season with 27 points in 76 games. During the 2018–19 season, he achieved a career-high 20 goals and 52 assists for 72 points, making him one of only three defencemen under 25 to record at least 50 points that season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Morgan Rielly’s signature work includes his performance in the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he scored critical goals that helped the Maple Leafs secure their first playoff series win since 2004. He was recognized as an NHL All-Star in 2022, further solidifying his status as a top player in the league.
Morgan Rielly Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Morgan Rielly has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, highlighting his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Morgan Rielly Awards Won
Rielly has achieved notable recognition, including being named an NHL All-Star in 2022, which reflects his outstanding performance and contributions to the game.
Morgan Rielly Family
Morgan Rielly is married to Canadian ice dancer Tessa Virtue. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in July 2024. Rielly’s family background includes a supportive environment that has contributed to his success in hockey.
Personal Life
Rielly’s personal life has garnered attention, especially his relationship with Tessa Virtue. The couple’s engagement was reported in early 2023, and they married later that year. Rielly has expressed his commitment to supporting various causes, including the LGBTQ+ community, demonstrating his values both on and off the ice.
