Leafs GM Brad Treliving explains why the Core Four-Matthews, Marner, Tavares, and Nylander-remain intact

Today in a new interview Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving confirmed to the media the reason why he still has not broken up the core four like many expected.

After losing in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Boston Bruins fans were calling for major changes to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Many wanted at least one if not multiple of John Tavares, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, or Auston Matthews traded. Now of course no fan wanted Auston Matthews to be gone but the fans were craving change.

Instead of trading one of these pieces, Brad Treliving shook things up in other ways. First, he fired Sheldon Keefe despite the former head coach leading the Maple Leafs to a 46-win season which was preceded by 50 and 54 wins in the two previous years.

Then during the final moments of the NHL Draft Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs traded for defenseman Chris Tanev. They also would eventually sign him to an extension.

Since that trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not made any big moves with their roster. This means each of the core four John Tavares, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews are all still on the roster. This decision has left fans frustrated and confused but now Brad Treliving has explained himself.

In a new interview with TSN 1050's OverDrive Brad Treliving addressed the lack of moves involving the core four. According to Brad Treliving, they have not found a trade involving a core four player that would make them better for next season.

When Brad Treliving explains his actions like this it does make sense at least from a straight-up production standpoint. During the 2023-24 season, each member of the core four had at least 65 points with John Tavares being the low man on the totem pole. After John Tavares, the point production jumped to 85 points for Mitch Marner.

Many fans who wanted a trade involving the core four were hoping to see Mitch Marner sent away. However, finding a player that provides an 85-plus point value in a trade is nearly impossible. However, Brad Treliving also did not close the door on moves being made before the season if one does end up presenting itself.

'The job is 'how do you make your team better?... We're not set yet. We continue to look at ways to make our team better and I said at the end of the year, we're going to look at everything.