Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was extremely candid during his end-of-season press conference on Thursday, May 29.
Treliving signaled significant changes were in the offing and addressed the rumors surrounding star winger Mitch Marner. He also acknowledged that the organization needs a “DNA change” after yet another disappointing playoff run.
The Maple Leafs’ postseason ended with a second-round exit at the hands of the Florida Panthers, with decisive 6-1 losses in both Games 5 and 7 of the series.
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Addresses Mitch Marner Rumors
During the press conference, Treliving indicated that the organization would not go out of its way to sign star forward Mitch Marner, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
When asked about Marner, Treliving refused to commit one way or another.
“We’re in that process right now,” Treliving said after praising Marner as a tremendous player.
“Mitch and I had a discussion (during exit meetings). My discussion was let’s take a step back, breathe a little… We’re going to meet as a staff, I’m going to be in touch with Mitch’s representative. We’ll have to see how this all works…. And he’s got a say in the process.”
Treliving on Marner:
“We’re in that process right now,” he said of figuring out what’s next with Marner.
Says he will get in touch with Marner’s agent.
“We’ll have to see how this all works…. And he’s got a say in the process.”— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun)
Marner had a season full of ups and downs. He recorded a career-high 102 points in the regular season, but only scored twice in 13 postseason games. He also reportedly declined to waive his no-move clause at the trade deadline or negotiate a new deal during the 2024-25 season.
With their agonizing 56-season Stanley Cup drought set to continue, Treliving acknowledged the need for a fundamental shift within the organization to break this cycle.
“There’s some DNA that has to change in our team. If you keep getting the same result, there’s some DNA that needs to change. That’s on me going forward,” Treliving said.
“We’ve now started the planning, and it’s early, for putting a team together for 2025-26.”
Treliving: “There’s some DNA that has to change in our team. If you keep getting to the same result, there’s some DNA that needs to change. That’s on me going forward.
“We’ve now started the planning, and it’s early, for putting a team together for 2025-26.”
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 29, 2025
One significant change has already occurred at the executive level, with the announcement on May 22 that team president Brendan Shanahan was being let go after serving for 11 years. A few days later, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley announced the organization would retain the services of Treliving and head coach Craig Berube.
Other key pending UFAs include veteran forward and member of the “Core Four” John Tavares. Treliving also expressed a desire to quickly re-sign 22-year-old Matthew Knies, who is an upcoming RFA. The Maple Leafs reportedly refused to trade the young winger to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Mikko Rantanen in March.
“Matthew is a big part of the future moving forward,” Treliving said.
