Chayka dismissed immediate expectations of moving Rielly, stating that current plans favor keeping him on the roster.
"I don’t think so," Chayka said. "As we stand here, no.
But, again, those are the discussions we’ll continue to have."
Head coach Jim Hiller expressed enthusiasm about coaching Rielly again, having previously worked with him as an assistant coach from 2015 to 2019.
"I’m really excited for the chance to get to coach him again," said Hiller. "I look at him as being part of the solution."
Chayka also addressed recurring trade inquiries concerning 23-year-old winger Matthew Knies, who is signed to a long-term contract.
"Matthew’s an elite power forward in the prime of his career at a number that we think allows us to build a great team around him," Chayka reiterated.
The general manager emphasized that trading Knies would be counterproductive to improving the current lineup.
"There’s nothing, as I stand here today, that I think makes us a better team," Chayka said.
Meanwhile, top prospect Gavin McKenna expressed his readiness for the draft spotlight during a media session in Buffalo, stating his comfort with playing a polarizing role on rival ice.
"I want to be a villain wherever I go," said McKenna, according to Yahoo Sports.
McKenna also commented on how his playmaking abilities would complement Toronto captain Auston Matthews if the draft projections hold true.
"I can think the game very well, and I can find guys in spots where not many people can find them, so if you put me with a shooter, it could be pretty lethal," McKenna said.
The draft first round will commence officially at 7:00 p. m.
on Friday, as reported by the Toronto Star.
"We’ve got our decision," Chayka said. "Tomorrow at seven (p.
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m. ) we will share it."
