How did the firing of GM Brad Treliving go down, and why did the Toronto Maple Leafs do it now?
TSN: Darren Dreger, when asked how the firing of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving went down, why, who could replace him, and what this means for the head coach.
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Jennifer Hedger: “MLSC and Keith Pelley decided to drop Brad Treliving as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. How did this all go down, and why now?”
Dreger: “Well, time, Jenny is curious.” I would agree with that, but the fact that it happened, I don’t think it should come as a surprise to anyone, just because of the brutality of the Toronto Maple Leaf’s season so far.
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Now, Brad Treliving will not hide his responsibility. You know you played a part in making this season go this far. But there was a lot going on, a lot going on with the Toronto Maple Leafs, as thought and reported.
We know that Keith Pelley has been conducting labor negotiations for the past several days, if not weeks. I suspect there was communication between Treliving and Keith Pelley to talk about what this year’s outcome might be. Was there a conversation where Treliving just said, ‘Look, if you’re going to do this, let’s do this sooner rather than later.'” We can’t be sure about that.
We know that Keith Pelley will be speaking to the media on Tuesday, but what I can tell you is that Keith Pelley has been very involved in hockey activities. It was a challenge at times, but Jen, like I said, Brad Treliving thought he could fix it and make the Maple Leafs better next year. But senior management and ownership obviously don’t sound the same.”
Who can replace Brad Treliving?
Hedger: “Well, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs is going to be a coveted job. Does anyone come to mind to replace Treliving?”
Dreger: “It’s a big job, arguably the biggest GM job in the National Hockey League. And the man that comes to mind again, the guy that made the rounds in the world of speculation. That’s Doug Armstrong and the St. Louis Blues.”
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And this is a challenge, because Armstrong has been with the St. Louis Blues for a long, long time. He still has a contract with St. And there are some who believe that, you know, he might not be allowed out of that contract for a few years. But that can play your way out. Obviously, Toronto will have to seek permission to land Doug Armstrong.
I also remind you, Jen, that you know, when Brad Treliving was hired, Brendan Shanahan was hired. So they were a two-headed monster, president of hockey operations and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
So if Doug Armstrong is the candidate. Will he fill both those roles, president of hockey ops and GM? Will Louis release him from his contract? But it’s a tough office to sit in, and Doug Armstrong’s name has been around for a long time.”
Is Craig Berube’s coaching position safe or will he be next?
Hedger: “Well, now, of course, all eyes are on the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. On pace to miss the playoffs for the first time in Austin Matthews’ tenure. Do you believe more changes are on the way?”
Dreger: “Well, I’m not going to say right away, but I think if we’re talking about the end of the season, it’s obvious to some of the guys who are already there.
Bruce Cassidy, was released on Sunday by the Vegas Golden Knights. Peter DeBoer, another decorated NHL coach, has been around for a long time.
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That should be the level of conversation. And now they’re hiring a new general manager, so usually the general manager wants to bring in his people. But until Craig Berube is told otherwise, he will continue to hold his place on the bench, at least until the end of the year.”
Hedger: “Craig Berube is in the second year of a four-year contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season.
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