NHL News: Toronto Maple Leafs Dismiss General Manager Brad Treliving

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Monday night, prior to their game against the Anaheim Ducks, that Brad Treliving has been relieved of his duties as the team's General Manager.

MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley confirmed the decision, stating that a fresh approach was necessary to achieve the organization's ultimate goal: winning the Stanley Cup. Pelley emphasized in a press release that “Throughout the course of this season, there has been deep analysis into both the current state of the Maple Leafs organization and the direction needed to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering a Stanley Cup championship to the city.”

Treliving's tenure in Toronto concludes after a period marked by two playoff appearances. The team lost to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2024 playoffs and then fell to the Florida Panthers in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Following the 2025 postseason exit, Brendan Shanahan was dismissed, and Treliving was given full control over hockey operations.

Under Treliving, the roster underwent significant changes aimed at aligning with head coach Craig Berube's preferred style of play. This included the departure of forward Mitch Marner, who reportedly had already decided to move on. Treliving's efforts to bring Mikko Rantanen to Toronto were unsuccessful, and the replacements acquired—such as Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Nic Roy—failed to adequately fill the void in offensive production.

The Maple Leafs experienced a significant downturn, transitioning from an Atlantic Division winner with a second-round exit last year to a team currently struggling to secure a top-five finish to retain their first-round draft pick from the Boston Bruins. The team also acted as sellers at the trade deadline, moving players like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nic Roy in an attempt to replenish a depleted prospect pool. This underperformance throughout the season made the General Manager change largely anticipated.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will now initiate a comprehensive search for a new General Manager, despite Treliving having one year remaining on his contract. This immediate search is considered crucial rather than waiting until the regular season concludes.

While the coaching staff was informed of Treliving's departure, the fate of head coach Craig Berube for next season and beyond remains uncertain. However, according to Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period on TSN Radio in Montreal, there is a strong belief that Berube will not return next season, despite having two years left on his contract. If this anticipated move occurs at the end of the season, the Maple Leafs will have several options for their next head coach.

Beyond the search for a new GM and the coaching situation, the future of star player Auston Matthews will also be a key decision point for the organization this summer.