Maple Leafs hire Brad Treliving as new GM

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the hiring of new general manager Brad Treliving, Wednesday. Toronto makes this announcement less than two weeks after firing previous GM Kyle Dubas. Treliving previously served as GM of the Calgary Flames from 2014-23 before mutually parting ways with the team.

The Toronto Maple #Leafs are putting the finishing touches on a contract that will make Brad Treliving the 18th GM in club history.

Process could be wrapped as soon as this afternoon. Still some loose ends to tie up.

First to report: @DarrenDreger.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 31, 2023

Impact on the Maple Leafs

Toronto is loaded with talent at the top of the lineup. Dubas accumulated most of that top tier talent. What they’ve failed to do is surround that talent with key role players, and especially, goaltending. Many failed postseasons, multiple coaches and a disappointed fanbase called for Dubas to be removed.

Treliving has a similar track record to Dubas, though. The Flames only won two playoff rounds during the nine years that Treliving was with the team. Many consider this to be a safe hire for Toronto, but it might not produce new results. Treliving made some questionable decisions over the years for Calgary. Highlighted by allowing star winger Johnny Gaudreau to walk for nothing last offseason, and trading away potential Conn Smythe winner Matthew Tkachuk for an older Jonathan Huberdeau and other small pieces. Calgary is now littered with bad contracts, after an underwhelming season.

Going forward

This decision has not thrilled the large majority of Toronto fans. Many writers and media personnel are also scratching their heads over this move. They’ll have the chance to speak with Treliving, as the Leafs will hold an introductory press conference, June 1.

Toronto also has to make a decision on whether to keep head coach Sheldon Keefe. His contract expires after the 2023-24 season, so they might be willing to give him one last chance to prove himself.

Elliotte Friedman on SN590: Much more likely than not Keefe will be the Leafs coach as of right now. Shanahan told prospective GM's that he was happy with Keefe and would like to keep him but ultimately GM's call. Very few candidates, if any, objected.

— Editor in J (@Account4hockey) May 31, 2023

Treliving’s toughest negotiation will be with superstar Auston Matthews, as he’s due for an extension ahead of the last year on his contract. With Toronto already in cap trouble, it might prove difficult to get something done quickly.

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