Brad Treliving Discusses The NHL Trade Deadline And The Leafs Playoffs Mentality

PUBLICATION

Tyler Ball
March 20, 2024 (11:24)

SHARE THIS STORY

Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving recently discussed how things went at the trade deadline. He also looked ahead at the team now going into the playoffs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made plenty of changes heading into the stretch run of the NHL season. Some of these were outside acquisitions while others were the result of internal development. In an interview with The Athletic, Brad Treliving talked about how he has seen consistent improvement in his group since around December.

If you look at us really from December 1 on, we've been a stingy team, said Treliving. And now in the same period of time in terms of the expected goals, we've been a top-five team. Those things, I don't think it's by accident.

In addition, Treliving has contributed a lot of the team's success to the improvement internally of their goaltending position. In particular the drastic jump in quality in Ilya Samsonov's game.

I just think he's a good goalie. He didn't forget how to play, said Treliving. He was going through a rough patch. It wasn't like you're like, �Oh my God, his game's no good.' You could tell a lot of the stuff was all mental.

Treliving Discusses His Feelings On The Trade Deadline Moves He Made

When it comes to trade deadline acquisitions Brad Treliving targeted the blue line as an area of need within the team. During his time speaking with The Athletic Treliving said that their defense might not have the best high-end talent but believes their depth is unmatched.

We may not have the best top four (on defense), but if you go deep, (we wanted to) make sure seven, eight and nine were better than anybody else's so we don't have that big drop,

This is a sentiment that was recently covered on The Overdrive Show and featured in a Hockey Patrol article following the trade deadline.

My sense is that if anything, it was about trying to get some defensemen with term... and I don't think that was there, said Johnston on Overdrive yesterday. The Leafs explored to see what else might be out there if they were going to trade their first-round pick or Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten.

Maple Leafs Looking To The Future As The Season Winds Down

With the trade deadline coming and gone Brad Treliving says he gets to take more of a back seat. With trades and signings done for the season, he can be a fan just like everyone else on game night. While this is true Treliving confirmed in an article by Maple Leafs Daily he is still putting in plenty of work for the future watching potential NCAA free agents and draft picks.

You're out seeing more games. That last couple of weeks before the deadline you're focused in on the (NHL) team and what you maybe do with the deadline and 'How do I fill this hole a little bit more?' Really, you feel like you're just a cheerleader now.

As the playoffs come and go and the offseason becomes the focus it will be fun to see if Brad Treliving's focus on the future pays off for the Maple Leafs. For now, the focus remains on the new-look defense and the success of the team heading into the playoffs.

POLL
Will the Toronto Maple Leafs make the Eastern Conference Finals this season?
Yes	409	53.3 %
No	358	46.7 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Toronto Scepters and Ottawa Charge logos YT.

11 minutes ago | By Austin Kelly

Toronto Scepters and Ottawa Charge Make the First Trade of the Season

Dec 27, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit (2) skates with the puck in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

4 hours ago | By Austin Kelly

Shocking Stat Reveals Major Concern with Maple Leafs Defenseman Simon Benoit

Jun 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager Brad Treliving is introduced by club president Brendan Shanahan (left) at a press conference at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

6 hours ago | By Austin Kelly

NHL Reporter Reveals the Exact Type of Center Leafs Are Eyeing Ahead of Trade Deadline

Apr 13, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) is honored after the game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He played his last game as a Blackhawk, at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

7 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

3x Stanley Cup Champion Teases NHL Return as Leafs Weigh Their Options

Jun 22, 2018; Dallas, TX, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas announces the number twenty-nine overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

9 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas Places Fourth Overall Pick on Waivers, Per Elliotte Friedman

Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Sportsnet host David Amber (left) and NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman (right) prior to the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

9 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Insider Elliotte Friedman Reveals Brad Treliving's Top Priority for Leafs Ahead of Trade Deadline

Dec 27, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (60) makes a save in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

11 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Toronto Maple Leafs' Goaltending Plan Revealed For Upcoming Schedule

Dec 7, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) and right wing Mitch Marner (16) talk before a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

12 hours ago | By Chris Gerics