"When GM Brad Treliving took the job in summer, 2024, he inherited a very good team. The Leafs had previously made the Second Round of the playoffs, but unfortunately ran into a buzz-saw, which was the Florida Panthers. Although the Panthers were the underdog at that time, they were just about to reach their first of three straight Stanely Cup Finals, so they were way better than anticipated."
"Although Treliving stressed change, the 2025-26 roster may look different than 2024-25, but it's just seemingly worse. They brought back their entire defensive-core, but that group isn't any better than mediocre. They were one injury away from being below-average and that's been displayed with Chris Tanev being out of the line-up. The team doesn't have a legitimate number-one defenseman and until they do, they're not going to go far in the playoffs, let alone the regular season."
The Toronto Maple Leafs under GM Brad Treliving have underperformed, failing to advance past the Second Round despite high expectations and coaching changes. The team lost close series to elite opponents and exited playoff opportunities, including Game 7 defeats. The defense remains mediocre after retaining the core and lacks a true top-pairing defenseman, with depth exposed by Chris Tanev's absence. The goaltender has limited prior workload and is struggling when given extended responsibility. The roster is top-heavy and now missing Mitch Marner, while perceived replacements have failed to replicate his impact. Significant roster moves are required.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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