Some good(?) news for the Leafs tonight, and I think they might have needed it, Morgan Rielly is expected to return in March. Also Cody Ceci will be returning around that time to, so, that is also news.

This takes a lot of the cap relief scenarios off the table for the trade deadline, but the update also points to the Leafs having a number of NHL defense that could warrant moving Barrie or others at the deadline. Also with a return date possible this season, maybe, just maybe, Cody Ceci can be moved in the coming days as well.

As for Barrie, as Zach Laing stated earlier, Barrie did return for the 2nd period, and as I write this he’s been playing incredibly poorly and they might have been better off without him. Ignore that last sentence if you are a scout. Barrie will be a fine addition to your team.