The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading toward the end of a disappointing season, and the first major change has already arrived. The club moved on from general manager Brad Treliving after failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, but insiders believe he may not be out of work for long.
Brad Treliving May Not Be Unemployed Long
Treliving joined Toronto in May 2023, replacing Kyle Dubas. Under his leadership, the Leafs reached the postseason in each of his first two seasons, even advancing to the second round last year before falling to the eventual champions, the Florida Panthers.
This season, however, unfolded very differently. Toronto struggled for consistency and ultimately fell out of the playoff race, leading to increased scrutiny of Treliving’s roster construction. The organization decided to move on March 30, 2026, beginning what could be a significant offseason shake-up.
Despite the dismissal, NHL insider Darren Dreger suggested Treliving could quickly find another opportunity. “You wonder about Brad Treliving,” Dreger said. “Just cut loose by the Maple Leafs, does New Jersey consider him as an option, maybe Nashville?”
The Predators have an opening, with current GM Barry Trotz planning to step away this season. Trotz is expected to remain in place until a successor is named before transitioning into an advisory role, leaving Nashville searching for its next leader.
Meanwhile, the Devils are also in the market after parting ways with Tom Fitzgerald, making them another potential fit for Treliving’s experience.
Mixed Results but Notable Moves
Although the 2025-26 season ended poorly, Treliving’s tenure included several impactful decisions. He locked up core players, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares, with long-term extensions, ensuring stability among Toronto’s top talent.
He also strengthened the blue line by adding Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and signing Anthony Stolarz to support the crease. Other notable moves included extending Matthew Knies and adding short-term grit with Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi.
Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, saying, “I feel for Brad and his family,” Berube said. “You never like to hear or see that. It was tough… It is difficult. It is still difficult right now for me. But that is the business. That is what happens. We didn’t live up to expectations this year. That is what happens.”
While Toronto begins reshaping its front office, attention now shifts to where Treliving might land next.
With multiple potential openings around the league and a track record of building competitive rosters, it may not take long for the veteran executive to find another opportunity.
