The Maple Leafs are launching a formal GM search immediately and the candidate list is already forming
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Brad Treliving has been fired. Pierre LeBrun says the GM search starts immediately. Doug Armstrong, Doug Wilson and Chris Pronger are the three names that should already be on Keith Pelley's phone. Let's talk about why.
In the words of Steve Dangle in his instant analysis of the decision: 'Toronto actually DID something!'
It took longer than it probably should have, but the Toronto Maple Leafs fired Treliving though the timing was a little bit suspicious — being about 90 minutes prior to puck drop in Anaheim.
Why Toronto couldn't wait two more weeks to fire Treliving and need the time to find the right fit
There were the usual thank you's and complimentary remarks, however it underscores the fact that the real work begins now. According to Pierre LeBrun, the team isn't going to rush things at all and an extensive search is about to commence:
The Leafs will conduct a formal GM search. Hugely important off-season for the Leafs, to say the least. Getting going on GM search asap deemed important rather than wait another two-plus weeks for regular season to end before making the GM change. Treliving had one more year on his contract next season.
It is clear that Pelley prioritizes the future over loyalty and while Craig Berube is safe for now, there was no time to waste. Why wait two weeks to come to the same conclusion when you can get it over with now, and have that extra time to conduct your research?
Free agency, Auston Matthews, the NHL Draft — the Hydra of the NHL offseason is going to be a gargantuan task for whoever decides to come in and has to inherit some pretty bad deals and a real lack of assets.
The Names MLSE should be calling to lead the Maple Leafs
But that list does already have a few prospective names attached to it, and while there are some reservations about each; they are all leaps and bounds better than Treliving.
Doug Armstrong
We'll take the easy one first and say that Armstrong is likely the betting favourite to become at least the new GM, if not Team President.
Stepping down from the St. Louis Blues after this year as well as Team Canada, there's an opening in his schedule. He hasn't won in a bit but also hasn't been able to make those blockbuster deals like he once did.
Coming to Toronto would offer him a chance to make some serious moves if he sees fit and there's really no one on the market with the experience he has. Involved in management in some capacity for nearly 30 years running.
He also isn't shy about making massive deals either and has brought in the following names:
- Brayden Schenn
- Ryan O'Reilly
- Alex Steen
- Jay Bouwmeester
- Kevin Shattenkirk
- Justin Faulk
- Ryan O'Reilly
- Alex Steen
- Jay Bouwmeester
- Kevin Shattenkirk
- Justin Faulk
Those were just trades. He also drafted Robert Thomas, Tage Thompson, Jordan Kyrou, Colton Parayko and Jordan Binnington. He's a serious wheel and deal GM and that's what Toronto is lacking.
Plus, his former player in Jordan Schmaltz thinks he's a shoe-in; so take with that what you will.
Doug Wilson
Someone who already interviewed for the position before Brad Treliving came in, Wilson has been attached to the hip to Kyle Dubas and helping him run things there.
He ranks 15th all-time in GM wins, ran the Sharks for nearly 20 years, and really only stepped away due to health concerns. But he's fine now and clearly can help out a team still — he even oversees personnel decisions in Pittsburgh.
Wilson was widely regarded as a 'player's GM' who was known for creating a family-like culture in San Jose players and staff felt like they weren't handcuffed at any point. That trickled down to the players and they saw some serious success.
Wilson is also a guy who is a former player and understands the nuances of the game. He's also a shrewd negotiator and isn't afraid to make a splash. Let's see the names he added over the years:
- Joe Thornton
- Brent Burns
- Dan Boyle
- Dany Heatley
- Evander Kane
- Erik Karlsson
- Brent Burns
- Dan Boyle
- Dany Heatley
- Evander Kane
- Erik Karlsson
That's quite a list, and in terms of the Thornton deal, was one that completely transformed both the Sharks and the Bruins. If he can find a similar piece to place next to Auston Matthews...Toronto may be in business.
Chris Pronger
We hate to sound like a broken record, but if there's a former player who could come in and change things up — it's the 'Human Rake' himself.
Pronger has done the rounds recently and explained that he was embarrassed for the Maple Leafs regarding the Auston Matthews incident then immediately followed it up with a 'I'm open for business' comment.
If that's not a sign, I don't know what is. But Pronger is a wild card given he doesn't have that level of experience but is still comfortable in the front office. He worked for the Florida Panthers from 2017-2020 as a senior advisor then Senior VP of Hockey Operations.
He kind of already laid it out too — the new faces are coming in to win, protect, and be the type of team fans and the players can be proud of and not someone who uses excuses and calls into Toronto podcasts to try and keep chatter down.
Pronger will take a look at the Toronto media and eat them for lunch. He's one of the nicest guys in hockey, but he was also one of the meanest, toughest, and frankly scariest when he played.
If he can translate that type of nightmare into a team effort, then the rest of the Atlantic may not stand a chance.
So there you have it, there are a few names who could be the one to replace Brad Treliving. There are still some others out there like Peter Chiarelli, Jim Nill, and even someone like a Mats Sundin or Doug Gilmour.
Whoever it is though, will not only need the blessing of Keith Pelley, but hope to God he stays as far away from making any more decisions.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Chris Pronger puts the Maple Leafs on notice with his strict conditions for the MLSE to join the front office
Chris Pronger puts the Maple Leafs on notice with his strict conditions for the MLSE to join the front office
| POLL | ||
MARS 31|1205 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs are launching a formal GM search immediately and the candidate list is already forming Who should Toronto hire as their new GM? | ||
| Doug Armstrong | 290 | 24.1 % |
| Doug Wilson | 69 | 5.7 % |
| Chris Pronger | 754 | 62.6 % |
| Jim Nill | 92 | 7.6 % |
| List of polls | ||