The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the spotlight as MLSE and CEO Keith Pelley take a hard look at the team's direction, focusing on General Manager Brad Treliving. TSN's Darren Dreger reports that Pelley is engaging in one-on-one discussions with staff and leaders across the NHL, indicating a sense of urgency about Treliving's future.
With the offseason approaching, the big question is whether Treliving will lead the Leafs through another draft and free agency period. The Leafs are currently seventh in the Atlantic Division, holding 73 points and trailing behind with fewer games left to play. This has put Treliving's strategies under the microscope, especially after the team’s lackluster season and the loss of star forward Mitch Marner.
Treliving's approach to building a bigger, stronger team hasn't quite paid off, as the expected physical edge hasn't materialized consistently. The failure to replace Marner's production and questionable trade decisions-such as acquiring depth pieces like Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton at a high cost-have drawn criticism.
Injuries have plagued the team, but they haven't shielded Treliving from blame for the Leafs' slide from playoff contention. Meanwhile, Pelley might already be considering potential replacements. Although Treliving is contracted until the end of the 2026-27 season, there's speculation about whether MLSE is willing to pay for two GMs simultaneously.
Internally, assistant GM Brandon Pridham is a strong candidate, having been with the Leafs for over a decade. Externally, Doug Armstrong, former GM of the St. Louis Blues and Hockey Canada, is a name that’s been floated around, though these are just rumors at this stage.
As the season winds down, Treliving's future may hinge on the evaluations being conducted right now, as Pelley and MLSE weigh their options for the path forward.