The Brad Treliving Firing, Is Doug Armstrong the Guy, and Is Craig Berube Next?

How did the firing of GM Brad Treliving go down, and why did the Toronto Maple Leafs do it now?

The Toronto Maple Leafs, through MLSE and Keith Pelley, have decided to part ways with General Manager Brad Treliving. While the timing of this decision is curious, the move itself is not a surprise to many, given the team's challenging season thus far.

Treliving is not expected to shy away from his accountability for the team's performance. However, internal discussions and issues within the organization have also been ongoing, as previously speculated. Keith Pelley has reportedly been conducting staff interviews for several days, if not weeks, and it's possible there was communication with Treliving about the season's potential outcome. There's even a suggestion that Treliving might have initiated an earlier departure. Pelley is scheduled to address the media on Tuesday and is expected to be significantly involved in future hockey operations. While Treliving believed he could improve the Maple Leafs for next season, senior management and ownership clearly held a different view.

Who could replace Brad Treliving?

The role of General Manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs is highly coveted, arguably the biggest GM job in the National Hockey League. Doug Armstrong of the St. Louis Blues is frequently mentioned as a potential replacement.

However, securing Armstrong presents a significant challenge. He has a long tenure with the St. Louis Blues and remains under contract, possibly for several more years. Toronto would need to seek permission to engage with him. Furthermore, when Brad Treliving was hired, he worked alongside Brendan Shanahan, who held the dual role of President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. It raises the question of whether Armstrong would be expected to fill both these demanding positions, and if St. Louis would release him from his contract. Despite these complexities, Armstrong's name has been consistently linked to the position for some time.

Is Craig Berube’s coaching position safe or will he be next?

All attention now shifts to the Maple Leafs' head coach, Craig Berube, as the team appears on track to miss the playoffs for the first time in the Auston Matthews era. While immediate changes are not anticipated, a coaching change at the season's end seems plausible, especially considering the availability of other decorated NHL coaches.

Notable coaches like Bruce Cassidy, recently let go by the Vegas Golden Knights, and Peter DeBoer, who has been available for a while, could be considered. It's common for a new general manager to want to bring in their own coaching staff. Until Berube is informed otherwise, he is expected to remain in his coaching role, at least through the end of the current season. Craig Berube is currently in the second year of a four-year contract, which extends through the 2027-28 season.