Regardless of how you feel about the job Brad Treliving’s done thus far as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s hard not to feel optimistic about the current state of the franchise.
It almost goes without saying, but the same can’t be said for some of Toronto’s other sports teams right now. Trust me when I say this, things could be much worse. And I mean much worse.
Truthfully, I’m still in utter disbelief over Ross Atkins’ comments to the media on Monday afternoon in Dallas after striking out on star free agent Ross Atkins. In case you missed it, the Blue Jays general manager said the organization was just “grateful to be a part of the process” with Juan Soto.
Imagine Brad Treliving belted out a line like that. He would be torn to shreds on the spot, and probably fired, too. To be fair, Jays fans and media alike have been all over Atkins since his asinine scrum, but ultimately, the heat he’s receiving pales in comparison to what it would translate to in the NHL world.
Put it this way, it would be like the Leafs pulling that stunt after flirting/negotiating with Connor McDavid on July 1st, 2026, and he chooses to go another direction.
Would the fan base be receptive to that kind of garbage? Absolutely not.
You didn’t get the guy. Plain and simple.
Rant over.
Anyhow, all I could think about as I watched Atkins attempt to tap dance through another failed venture was how grateful I am to have someone competent running the Maple Leafs right now.
Whether you’re still sour over Kyle Dubas’ departure or you’re a huge believer in the new administration, there’s no question that this team is on the right path to success. Most importantly, their brash, no-nonsense approach is a breath of fresh for a market that direly needs it. Dissimilar to some of their other Toronto sports contemporaries, namely the baseball team, the Leafs are focused and driven, and without question, they have their eyes on the prize.
Having said all that, I do wonder about Brendan Shanahan’s future, and if he’s run his course as team president. He’s been stubborn in his ways, and in the long run, if that trend continues, it could become more of a talking point if you catch my drift.
Join us for the first-ever TLN Vacation!
Life is too short for ordinary vacations! For the first time ever, The Leafs Nation is headed on Vacation! Escape with TLN to Nashville, Tennessee, from March 20th to March 23rd, 2025, to watch the boys on the road. Click here for more info and to get your tickets!
