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 about how the firing of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving went down, why, who could replace him, and what does this mean for head coach.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Jennifer Hedger: “MLSC and Keith Pelley deciding to let go of Brad Treliving as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. How did this all go down, and why now?”
Dreger: “Well, the timing, Jenny is curious. I’d admit that, however the proven fact that it’s happened, I don’t think needs to be a surprise to anyone, just based on the brutality of the Toronto Maple Leaf season so far.
Now, Brad Treliving isn’t going to cover from his responsibility. He knows that he played a hand in how this season has unfolded so far. But there was rather a lot occurring, has been rather a lot occurring with the Toronto Maple Leafs, as has been speculated and reported on.
We all know that Keith Pelley has been conducting staff interviews over the past several days, if not weeks. I think that there was communication between Treliving and Keith Pelley to discuss what the final result of this 12 months could be. Was there a discussion where Treliving simply said, ‘Look, in case you’re going to do that, let’s get this done sooner moderately than later.” We will’t be certain of that.
We all know that Keith Pelley goes to deal with the media on Tuesday, but what I can inform you is that Keith Pelley has been and shall be heavily involved in hockey operations. It was difficult at times, but Jen, as I said, Brad Treliving thought he could fix it and make the Maple Leafs higher next 12 months. But senior management and ownership obviously don’t feel the identical way.”
Who could replace Brad Treliving?
Hedger: “Well, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs shall be a coveted job. Is there someone that involves mind to exchange Treliving?”
Dreger: “It’s an enormous job, arguably the most important GM job within the National Hockey League. And the person that involves mind is again, someone who has made the rounds on this planet of speculation. That’s Doug Armstrong with the St Louis Blues.
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And this one is difficult, because Armstrong has been with the St Louis Blues for an extended, very long time. He’s still under contract for St. Louis. And there are some who imagine that, you understand, he might not be allowed out of that contract for a few years. But that may play its way out. Obviously, Toronto would must seek permission to get to Doug Armstrong.
I also remind, Jen, that you understand, when Brad Treliving was hired, he was hired by Brendan Shanahan. In order that they were a two-headed monster, president of hockey operations and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
So if Doug Armstrong is the coveted candidate. Is he going to fill each those roles, president of hockey ops and GM? St. Louis going to let him out of his contract? Nevertheless it is a difficult office to occupy, and Doug Armstrong’s name has been on the market for some time.”
Is Craig Berube’s coaching position secure or will he be next?
Hedger: “Well, and now, in fact, all eyes turn to the coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. On pace to miss the playoffs for the primary time now within the Austin Matthews era. Do you think that more changes are on the way in which?”
Dreger: “Well, I wouldn’t say imminently, but I feel if we’re talking about end of the season, it’s pretty obvious with among the guys who are actually available.
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There needs to be that level of conversation. They usually’re now hiring a brand new general manager, so often that general manager wants to herald his own people. But until Craig Berube is told otherwise, he’s going to proceed to carry his spot on the bench, no less than until the top of the 12 months.”
Hedger: “Craig Berube is in 12 months two of a four-year contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season.”
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