Brad Treliving wasted no time introducing himself to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ biggest star.
Before his multi-year contract expired, Leafs GM incoming to Auston Matthews camp reached out to open the lines of communication as soon as possible, According to a report from Luke Fox of Sportsnet.
Here’s what Fox said:
We can tell you that even before signing his multi-year deal with the Maple Leafs, a contract that would extend Shanahan’s existing deal, Treliving came up with a Austin MathewsCamp to open up lines of communication with the franchise’s brightest star. Treliving and Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, have a good working relationship, as do Moldaver and Dubas.
Matthews is set to become an unrestricted free agent out of next season as his five-year contract with the Leafs is set to expire at the end of this season. Matthews’ current contract carries a maximum of $11.6 million.
The Leafs officially announced the signing of Treliving on Wednesday afternoon.
“I am very excited to welcome Brad to the Maple Leafs organization,” said Brendan Shanahan. “Brad brings a wealth of knowledge from his years of experience as a general manager and hockey executive in Calgary, Arizona and beyond. He has garnered tremendous respect among his peers throughout his years in the NHL and has built excellent relationships at all levels within the game. We are confident that Brad’s leadership and strategic vision will raise the bar Maple Leafs in our continued pursuit of the championship.”
“I am very excited and honored to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as general manager,” said Brad Treliving. “I want to thank Brendan, MLSE, and their Board of Directors for their support throughout this process. I am thrilled to be joining the Original Six team and learning how important the Maple Leafs are to this community. This is a very exciting day for me and my family.”
Treliving spent over a decade with the Phoenix Coyotes in various roles before replacing Jay Feaster as general manager of the Calgary Flames prior to the 2014-15 season. Led the Flames to five playoff appearances over nine seasons and It parted ways with the organization after a disappointing result in 2022-23.