Brad Treliving has been the Leafs’ GM for over a year, appointed just before last season’s NHL Entry Draft. During his tenure, he has yet to make a significant trade.
Is Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Afraid to Make a Trade?
Historically, previous Leafs GMs have not shied away from making bold moves early in their tenure. Kyle Dubas traded for Zach Hyman and set up the Leafs with Auston Matthews by trading Phil Kessel to the Penguins. Brian Burke made a splash by trading for Phil Kessel almost immediately upon taking charge. Lou Lamoriello also made an instant impact by trading for Freddie Andersen.
Conversely, John Ferguson Jr., who became GM just before the 2003-04 season, made only minor moves until the trade deadline and waited almost two years to make his signature trade – Rask for Raycroft – which turned out to be a dud. David Nonis, during his over two-year tenure, made numerous minor trades but no major deals, leaving no significant mark.
Among these recent GMs, the three who made their signature moves quickly – Dubas, Lamoriello, and Burke – are remembered positively. In contrast, JFJ and Nonis, who either waited too long or never made a big trade, are considered among the worst in franchise history.
Brad Treliving seems to be aligning more with the latter group. Despite making eight trades so far, none are significant enough to be called his signature move. He has traded Sam Lafferty to Vancouver, acquired the rights to Chris Tanev, and traded for Joel Edmundson, Connor Dewar, and Ilya Lyubushkin. He also made two trades at the draft to trade down for extra picks and acquired Cale Weber from Nashville for a 6th round pick.
None of these trades are game-changers.
What’s Holding Treliving Back?
It has been over a year, and Treliving has shown reluctance to make trades during the season, at the trade deadline, or at the draft. It raises the question: does he simply not like making trades, or is he afraid to take big swings?
If I were the GM of a hockey team, I’d be eager to make significant trades – it’s one of the most thrilling aspects of the job. Treliving’s hesitance is worrying, and only time will tell if he will break this pattern and make the bold moves necessary to propel the Leafs forward.
Leave a Reply