The Toronto Maple Leafs endured one of the most disappointing seasons in recent franchise history, missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, a collapse that ultimately cost general manager Brad Treliving his job.
While the roster as a whole regressed alarmingly, blame was ultimately placed on Treliving and Craig Berube, who was also let go by the franchise.
Now, two-time Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk has made his feelings clear about Toronto’s decision to move on from Treliving.
Matthew Tkachuk Reacts to Brad Treliving’s Departure from Toronto Maple Leafs
Treliving became the Maple Leafs’ general manager in May 2023, stepping in after Kyle Dubas was shown the door. During his first two seasons, Toronto reached the playoffs both times and advanced to the second round last year before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
This season, though, things unraveled quickly. Toronto battled inconsistency throughout the season and ultimately finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, prompting growing criticism of Treliving and the team he assembled. In March, the organization decided to part ways, signaling the beginning of what is looking like a major overhaul.
Toronto has since hired John Chayka as its new general manager, while franchise icon Mats Sundin joined the organization as a senior executive advisor of hockey operations.
Speaking on the Wingmen podcast this week, Matthew Tkachuk admitted he was disappointed by the decision. “I mean, Tre’s one of my favorite guys in all of hockey and what he’s done for me and everything. So that one, I was really upset with it for him. I didn’t think it was deserved. He’s one of the best in the business, but we’ll get into that another time,” Tkachuk said.
Tkachuk’s connection with Treliving goes back years. While serving as GM of the Calgary Flames, Treliving selected Tkachuk sixth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft after the Vancouver Canucks passed on him. That move helped build a strong relationship between the two.
Their bond continued during contract negotiations in 2019. Tkachuk initially hoped for a long-term extension, but Calgary’s salary cap situation pushed Treliving to convince him to sign a three-year bridge deal instead.
The relationship braved another major moment in 2022 after Johnny Gaudreau left Calgary in free agency. Tkachuk later informed Treliving he did not intend to stay with the Flames long term, but the situation remained professional as the star forward worked directly with management to facilitate a trade.
Despite disagreeing with Toronto’s decision to fire Treliving, Tkachuk believes the organization has an opportunity for a complete reset.
“Now it’s such a fresh start for their whole team. Everybody is coming into next season with zeros across the board and a sense to prove… It doesn’t matter who you are, it is a fresh start for everybody in the whole organization. In a weird way, it could benefit them in the long run with having this big reset,” he added.
As the Maple Leafs begin reshaping their roster, attention now turns to where Treliving could land next.
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Given his long résumé and history of building competitive teams, the veteran executive may not stay on the market for very long.
