Toronto Maple Leafs GM Addresses Media on Roster Changes
On Wednesday, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving addressed the media regarding the team’s search for a top-six forward to fill the gap left by star winger Mitch Marner, who was acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights in a recent sign-and-trade deal. Treliving acknowledged the challenges of finding a suitable replacement, stating,
“It’s not been from a lack of trying. The reality is, high-quality players of that caliber are scarce and not easily available.”
Challenges in the Player Market
Treliving emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance the roster, noting that the summer was relatively uneventful for player transactions across the NHL. The lack of movement in the player market this offseason is thought to be linked to teams being able to retain their star players due to available salary cap space. Additionally, confusion regarding new long-term injured reserve and salary cap regulations—as outlined in the NHL’s updated collective bargaining agreement—has made teams cautious about making moves. Notably, the updated rules will officially take effect in the 2026-27 season, with some enforcement starting immediately.
Internal Options and Potential Targets
As the Maple Leafs continue to prepare for the upcoming training camp, which may see the roster remain largely unchanged, the prospects of acquiring a player to replace Marner have narrowed. Media reports indicate that the team could look at options internally or explore other avenues for improvement. One potential target mentioned by TSN’s Darren Dreger is forward Dillon Dube. Treliving confirmed he had heard discussions regarding Dube, a player he previously signed while with the Calgary Flames.
Dube, who was involved in a sexual assault case related to a 2018 gala during his time with Canada’s World Junior team, was recently acquitted along with four others, allowing him to be considered for signing by NHL teams starting October 15, with a potential return to play no earlier than December 1. Treliving maintained that the focus remains on the current roster, indicating that any decision regarding Dube would be made with careful consideration of the circumstances involved and the player’s fit within the team’s needs. Given Dube’s inconsistent performance in 2023, where he fluctuated between top-six and bottom-six roles, it remains uncertain if he would address the Leafs’ requirements.
Looking Ahead
With the Maple Leafs gearing up for the season, there are critical questions about the chemistry of the team’s lineup, especially concerning their top line featuring stars like Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the organization strategizes its approach to replace Marner effectively.
