Do you remember when you joined X? I do! 5 years i started this journey, writing "letters" to Mother. Now, that part has set sail and i watch the escapades of Leafs Twitter with a close eye. To all those a part of the Leafs Army, keep fighting! #GoLeafsGo#MyXAnniversary
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced Brad Treliving as the next General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
I've done a lot of research and gone back to watch several of Brad Treliving's previous press conferences. Here' what I've learned:
Treliving currently ranks 55th all-time in career wins as an NHL GM with a regular season record of 362-265-73 and a playoff record of 16-26.
He took charge of the Calgary Flames in 2014, when they were amid a five-year playoff drought. Under his leadership, the Flames reached the playoffs five times in the next nine years, but never advanced beyond the second round.
In Calgary, Treliving inherited coach Bob Hartley, who had already been coaching the team for two seasons without playoff success. He retained Hartley for the next two seasons, which could be a clue that he'll give Sheldon Keefe an opportunity to continue.
Hartley was ultimately replaced after missing the playoffs 2 years later. He brought in Glen Gulutzan, who was also let go after two seasons for failing to make the playoffs. Next, Treliving hired Bill Peters, who led the Flames to a 50-win season, a feat not achieved since '88/'89. Peters resigned in the wake of a racial incident and was replaced by Geoff Ward temporarily before Treliving brought in Darryl Sutter, who was dimissed earlier this month. Treliving's
Flames tenure is notably drafted Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Adam Fox, Dillon Dube, Andrew Mangiapane, and Rasmus Andersson, and more.
He transformed the Flames from a team led by Jiri Hudler's 54 points in '13/'14 to a team that, at their peak in the '21-'22 season, included Gaudreau (115 pts, inherited), Tkachuk (104 pts, drafted), Lindholm (82 pts, acquired via trade), Mangiapane (55 pts, drafted), and Andersson (50 pts, drafted).
It's no secret that Treliving faced challenges in attracting talent to Calgary, which were compounded by the city's desperate need for a new arena. Johnny Gaudreau left for Columbus as a free agent, Matthew Tkachuk indicated he would not re-sign in Calgary, and Adam Fox showed no intention of signing with the team post-college - all believed to be market-driven decisions.
In response, Treliving traded Tkachuk for Huberdeau, Weegar, and a 1st round pick, and the rights to Fox, Dougie Hamilton, and Michael Ferland for Lindholm and Hanifin. It's worth noting Carolina wasn't able to sign Fox either, and flipped him for a 2nd round pick. You've got to wonder what the Flames might have looked like had they been able to keep all of the talent they drafted, as they'd hoped.
Treliving has a reputation for being active at both the draft and trade deadline. For the first time in his career, he steps into a market that is considered to be a desired destination for players. How might this change his approach to free agency?
While watching some of Treliving's previous press conferences, I noticed a few consistent traits worth sharing:
Passion - You can hear the genuine disappointment in his voice when addressing Gaudreau's departure, or how much he cares for his people when he's asked about Chris Snow at the trade deadline.
Confidence - You'll pick up on this right away during his press conference tomorrow.
Accountability - This is a guy who held an impromptu 30-minute Q&A press conference to announce Gaudreau would not be signed.
Objective Thinker - Listen to his assessment of his team at the trade deadline. He's very grounded, and very realistic. This should be particularly exciting to those of you who want organizational decisions to be more driven by results.
Treliving checks a lot of boxes for the Leafs - experience, reputation, poise - but in joining Toronto, he won't soon be able to escape the criticism that he has no track record of success. He does, however, have a track record of progress. I look forward to his assessment of the roster and his philosophy toward change. Toronto presents its own set of unique challenges, but can he flourish without the barriers he encountered in the Calgary market?
I don't have many followers, so if you enjoyed what you've read, please consider retweeting or tagging others who might be interested.
#LeafsForever #Leafs #treliving
Leafs Nation,
Although I have been absent, I assure you that I have been present in the wings. 19 years of sorrow gone. 11 chances to exorcise demons done in one night. We are one step closer to Lord Stanley and his glorious Mug.
Kind Regards,
Capt. Tavares. #GLG
In honor of Wrestlemania.
Ladies and Gentlemen. Boys and Girls. Members of Leafs Nation. It has been 31 years for the Battle of Ontario. The pests in the Nation's Capital are once again our foes. A beat down is in order. If you don't like it, 👇 #LeafsForever
Leafs Nation,
Mr. Dubas has more magical powers than Mitch Marner. What he managed to do with St. Louis and Minnesota in order to acquire O'Reilly and Acciari is Dumbledore level. The best part? No one saw it coming. In Dubas We Trust. #GoLeafsGo
@FultonReed6 I see Giordano as one of the big difference makers when the playoffs begin. A guy who can help in so many ways to elevate the rest of the defence and their confidence.
@Hernen20 I needed some time away from Twitter. The novelty had worn off and interactions were becoming less frequent, which I found hard to take. I cannot say how long I will be here but I will stay until the end of the season.
Mr. Tavares. If my letter reaches you, I would like to personally congratulate you on the significant milestone you have achieved.
May you continue to achieve your goals and exceed our expectations.
Kind Regards,
Cpt. Tavares (in spirit only, lol).
#GoLeafsGo.
@43_Kadri I hope this tweet finds you in some capacity. What you have endured over the past 2 days has been disgraceful and unjust. The way you have handled the backlash and hate,in the public eye, is extraordinary. As acting Captain on Twitter, I support you 100%. #Kadri
Mother,
The men gave their all. So much was asked of them in this final battle and they tried to answer back. I may hang my head but in defeat, not in anger. We took them to the brink and came up short. I am proud of the men. You should be too. Kind Regards,
Capt. Tavares #GLG
@Leaf4Ever Nothing is free. Mr. Cooper knows we work hard. He cannot Crack us with silly games.
Tomorrow, we shall silence this bag of wind. In his barn.
#TheStormisClearingOut
Mother,
Mr. Cooper is playing mind games. He is under the impression his Battalion let us off easy.
Maybe Vasilevskiy's pads shouldn't have Matthews goal look easy.
Maybe Bogosian's worm impersonation shouldn't have made Willy's goal look easy.
Kind Regards,
Capt. Tavares #GLG
@Cdn_Crippler Cdn. Crippler,
Your observation would be correct. I have been addressing Leafs Army for almost 2 weeks now. My objective was to write my letters on a more consistent basis during the playoffs, where moral can be fleeting.
Kind Regards,
Capt. Tavares #GLG
Mother,
On the day that celebrates you, your strength and your determination, I, and the men in our camp, shall follow in your lead. Tonight will be a victory made especially for you and every other mother in the Leafs Army. Happy Mothers Day.
Kind Regards,
Capt. Tavares #GLG