Brad Treliving Bringing Flames to the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Brad Treliving was named General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 31st, 2023. However since taking the GM role, he has not made any moves.

Last week, it was reported that Calgary Flames defencemen, Noah Hanifin has made it clear to Flames management that he will not be coming back when his contract expires at the end of next season. With Brad Treliving trading for Hanifin back in 2018, him bringing in the 26-year-old to the Toronto Maple Leafs would not be shocking whatsoever.

Acquiring Hanifin would be a great first move for Treliving. The D-man is 6’3, 207LBS and was second among Flames defencemen in points at 38. Not bad, but under Sheldon Keefe, a coach who is more in favour of offense, those numbers could be much higher.

There are rumours that the Leafs are interested in Hanifin, however, there are pretty much rumours about the Leafs and every single player that may or may or may not be available.

Brad Treliving Bringing Flames to the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Another name that has been making the rounds is goaltender Dan Vladar. With rumours of Jacob Markstrom likely staying put, and Dustin Wolf seemingly being the next starting goalie in Calgary, it leaves Vladar as the odd man out.

The now 25-year-old was traded to the Flames back in 2021 in exchange for a third round pick. This move turned out to be a great one in reality for Treliving. Vladar has played well thus far since arriving in Calgary, although having a bit of a down year this season .

This rumour is one that I am questioning a bit. Vladar has proven to be a good backup in this league throughout his time with Boston and Calgary, but the Leafs already have a good backup option in Joseph Woll who has proven himself as a capable goaltender in the National Hockey League.

Despite only playing seven regular season games, the 24-year-old looked extremely calm in between the pipes, putting up a 6-1-0 record and a 2.16 GAA. He even got some action in the playoffs when Ilya Samsonov went down with an injury, and handled himself quite well.

Woll is also signed throughout the next 2024-25 season at a cap hit of $766,667 and he is eligible for waives next season.

Making him the third goalie would not make any sense and would hurt his development, so I would not be in favour of bringing Vladar in knowing what Woll can become if given more NHL experience.