McLellan to lean on defenceman Morgan Rielly when North America plays Sweden
TORONTO — Todd McLellan has been impressed with Morgan Rielly’s ability to play multiple roles and log big minutes at the World Cup of Hockey.
That’s why, with star defenceman Aaron Ekblad lost to injury, McLellan is prepared to lean on the 22-year-old Maple Leaf blueliner when North America meets Sweden in a critical preliminary round game Wednesday.
“He’s arguably been one of our best, he has the ability to play both sides of the puck,” said McLellan. “Offensively he’s been tremendous, he’s defended well and he’s taken huge minutes on.
“I had a high appreciation personally for the way he played the game (before the tournament), but it’s gone way up. Now that you are around him day in and day out, he’s a tremendous player.”