Leafs’ Morgan Rielly can’t hide jealousy as Blue Jays dominate World Series headlines

Toronto is celebrating. The Blue Jays’ thrilling Game 7 win over the Seattle Mariners secured the city’s first World Series berth since 1993, sending fans into the streets in joyous celebration.

Amid the excitement, Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly admitted he felt a twinge of jealousy watching another Toronto team reach the pinnacle of its sport. For a city still yearning for a Stanley Cup appearance since 1967, Rielly’s honesty captured the hopes and frustrations of Leafs fans everywhere.

Morgan Rielly sends candid message to Leafs fans after expressing envy for Blue Jays

Rielly, a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs since 2013, has witnessed firsthand the heartbreaks that have defined Toronto hockey in recent decades.

“There's a small part of you that you're envious of them. You're a bit jealous of what they're doing, just because of Toronto. You watch it firsthand, you're obviously happy for them, it's a great moment for the city, but we want to be able to do that and have a run like that. We felt that when the Raptors did it too.

So, you look at the passion they're playing with, and that's contagious. And you want to be able to also bring that when your time comes,” Rielly said.

Unlike the Blue Jays, who rode George Springer’s heroics to victory, the Leafs have struggled in decisive Game 7s, going 0-6 in recent attempts. Fans and players alike know the frustration of falling short, and Rielly’s words highlight the desire for a breakthrough moment. Teammates like Max Domi, William Nylander, and Easton Cowan celebrated the Jays’ success, but the envy is tempered with motivation.

Toronto’s Championship energy could fuel the Leafs’ comeback

The Blue Jays’ surge should be a wake-up call for the Leafs. Seeing a city rally behind a championship run shows what’s possible when talent meets determination.

Rielly’s comments reveal that the team hasn’t forgotten its past disappointments and is eager for a breakthrough. Toronto’s stars now have a real-life example of a hero like Springer, whose leadership and clutch performance galvanized an entire city. If the Maple Leafs can harness this momentum and find their own champion, the fans will rally behind them, and Toronto hockey could finally rewrite its postseason story.Morgan Rielly’s reflection is clear: Toronto deserves triumph, and with the right spark, the Maple Leafs could be next.Also Read: Panthers’ Brad Marchand breaks down in tears after heartfelt Bruins tribute during emotional Boston homecoming