In this post, I want to revisit the recent media conference where Brad Treliving was introduced to the public as the new General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I’m going to shake up the conversation with the Maple Leafs media as a way to pull off a quick three strike.
In the first quickie, Treliving emphasized the importance of a face-to-face meeting between himself and Austin Matthews. With Matthews being the face of the franchise, Triliving noted the need to build trust and understanding with each other. The conversation will elicit each other’s insights.
In the second Quick Hit, Treliving was anxious about the future of current coach Sheldon Cave. Many fans believed that when former general manager Kyle Dubas was shown the door, Coach Keefe would soon be right behind him. Treliving highlighted the need for an open-minded approach to who would be the coach.
On the third quickie, Treliving defended the Maple Leafs’ key players. He rejected the idea of major changes that needed to be made, and emphasized the collective strength of the team.
Here’s more specific information about each of those.
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Quick Hit One: Building Trust and Vision with Matthews
Treliving realized that a face-to-face meeting with Matthews was crucial to building trust and understanding each other’s visions. Such a meeting will play an important role in determining the direction of the team.
Matthews has previously spoken about Dupas. It was clear that they had a strong relationship. Somehow Treliving needs to get into that free space. He wisely realizes that in his new role, he faces the challenge of earning Matthews’ trust and aligning their visions. In my view, it’s a wise move.
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Quick Hit Two: The Three Lives Unsure about Sheldon Cave, but…
Treliving is currently uncertain about coach Sheldon Cave’s future. However, he did not rule out keeping Keefe around. With Keefe entering the final year of his contract, it looks like a decision must be made quickly.
This situation is difficult because Keefe has been partnered with Dubas throughout his coaching career. Treliving was wise enough to praise Keefe’s regular season success and defensive coaching abilities. While the time frame for making the decision remains unclear, Treleving indicated that he approaches the decision on the coach with an open mind.
Treliving would likely consider other candidates for the role; However, he will likely have a long session with Keefe – in the same way he will with Matthews.
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Quick Hit Three: Treliving Defend key players, but focus on the entire team
Treliving was also wise enough to defend the Maple Leafs’ key players. He rejected the idea that he would come in with firearms to bring about major changes. However, he also emphasized that the success of a team depends not only on one or two players but on the collective effort of the entire team.
In response to the media highlighting the “Core Four”, Treliving replied that the team’s success is the result of the entire roster. He noted that major changes may not be necessary for improvement. However, I wonder if it’s clear to him so far that improvement only matters in the post-season.
bottom line
With the July 1 deadline approaching, the Maple Leafs are faced with important decisions. Building trust and aligning insights with Matthews has emerged as a top priority for Treliving. The uncertainty surrounding Keefe’s future raised questions about a potential coaching change.
Despite media speculation about major roster changes, Treliving defended the key players and emphasized the team’s collective strength.
What now? Soon, the team will start preparing for the next season. Big changes are likely – or maybe now. That said, I can’t imagine the team doesn’t look very different than it does now.
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