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Morgan Rielly handles high expectations of Leaf Nation, eyes spot on Team Canada’s blueline

The Moose Jaw Warriors faithful describe Morgan Rielly as faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to freeze goaltenders in a single deke.

Although Rielly isn't actually hockey's Superman, the 6-foot, 205-pound defenceman has turned heads at Mosaic Place. The Toronto Maple Leafs' first-rounder from June's NHL draft has notched four goals and 19 points in 16 games, leading all WHL blueliners in points.

"I'm really happy with how the season has been going," says Rielly. "I worked hard last year to regain my health (from a knee injury). And I worked hard in the offseason to prepare for this year. All the hard work is paying off."

Since Rielly was scoring at a point-per-game pace last year prior to his knee injury, he isn't breaking out of his shell this year. He is merely picking up right where he left off.

"It was frustrating not to be able to play the full year last year. I know I would have had a really good year. But I'm happy I was able to return in the playoffs at least."

Rielly hopes his hot start to the season has gotten the attention of Hockey Canada. The Vancouver, B.C., native has set his sights on representing Team Canada at the upcoming world junior championship in Russia.

"I really hope I can make that team," says Rielly. "It would be a dream come true. I've been dreaming of representing Canada at that tournament since I was a little kid."

Some scouts believe Rielly has a great shot of making his childhood dream come true this winter.

"In my opinion, I don't think there is any question about him making the team this year," says Ross MacLean, head scout for International Scouting Services. "Lockout or not, Rielly is a no-brainer. His game translates so well to a big-ice international event."

Being a Leafs prospect, Rielly knows every move he makes will be under Leaf Nation's spotlight. He is going to do the best he can to ignore the media attention, though.

"I know I will get a lot more attention this year because Toronto drafted me," says Rielly. "It is part of playing for a Canadian NHL team. I'm going to try to just focus on what's on the ice."

Nonetheless, Rielly wanted this attention. The 18-year-old and his father, Andy Rielly, were hoping Toronto would call his name on the draft floor.

"Toronto talked to me at the combine and twice at the draft," says Rielly. "I was hoping they would draft me. My dad was as well. He grew up in Hamilton and became a huge Leafs fan there."

So far, the attention Rielly has been receiving has been immensely positive. He has received great praise from some scouts and reporters, to the extent of some going on record to say he is a better prospect than Everett Silvertips star defenceman Ryan Murray, who was selected No. 2 overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in June.

"I think Rielly has much better upside than Murray," says Mark Seidel, former NHL scout and current head scout of North American Central Scouting. "Rielly's knee injury caused a great amount of trepidation at the draft. I'm sure if it wasn't for that, he would have gone ahead of Murray."

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen.