The Toronto Maple Leafs have made the playoffs consistently but have fallen short in the postseason. Under former general manager (GM) Kyle Dubas, the team had the elite talent to secure playoff berths every season. However, the playoffs are a different beast—demanding physicality, shutdown defence, and a departure from wide-open hockey. When Dubas left to join the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brad Treliving took over and reshaped the team with a clear vision (over two offseasons).
Treliving Is Building the Roster from a Player’s Perspective
As a former defenseman, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Treliving values defence and physicality as keys to postseason success. Gone is the puck-control style; Treliving has re-sized the Maple Leafs, focusing on big, physical players. He has brought in significant physical presence, including new head coach Craig Berube. Berube, the runt of the litter at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, was known for his physical play and fighting prowess during his playing days. He put up a huge number of penalty minutes – 3149 in total during an NHL career known more for fighting than scoring.
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This focus on size epitomizes the team’s new direction. In Treliving’s two offseasons, the bigger-is-better mentality is officially in place. His playing career spanned eight seasons and an impressive array of 14 teams. He began his journey with the Penticton Knights and continued with the Portland Winterhawks, Brandon Wheat Kings, Spokane Chiefs, Ladner Penguins, and Regina Pats in junior hockey. His professional career included stints with the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds, Greensboro Monarchs, Indianapolis Ice, Columbus Chill, New Haven Senators, Prince Edward Island Senators, Charlotte Checkers, and Louisville Icehawks. This extensive and varied experience across multiple leagues and teams has undoubtedly influenced his perspective as a GM.
Treliving’s approach to reshaping the Maple Leafs’ roster reveals a clear bias rooted in his playing experience as a low-level defenseman. His focus on increasing the size and physicality of the team reflects his understanding of the game from a defenseman’s perspective. Treliving knows firsthand the importance of strong…
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