Since the Toronto Maple Leafs hired Brad Treliving as the general manager, there hasn’t been much consistent about the moves he’s made.
His decisions for the Toronto Maple Leafs thus far have been difficult to predict. That all changed on Tuesday with the franchise’s most recent hiring.
Treliving proved that he can be consistent . . . when it comes to hiring his friends. That’s what happened yet again. This time, it’s Derek Clancey who will be joining the Maple Leafs.
He will be an Assistant GM of Player Personnel.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Hire a New Assistant General Manager
Clancey, who is just four months older than Treliving, was someone who knows the Leafs GM well. That’s because they worked together with the Calgary Flames. Clancey was a Flames pro scout during the 2021-22 season. He would have reported to Treliving at that time. The duo’s relationship now has the opportunity to continue in Toronto.
Clancey’s hiring isn’t the first that points to a previous familiarity. In fact, he isn’t even the first friend Treliving’s hired to be by his side. That distinction belongs to Shane Doan. The 20 year NHL veteran player who spent his entire career with the Phoenix Coyotes was hired to be Treliving’s Special Advisor.
Doan’s and Treliving’s relationship goes way back to when the right winger was still an active player. While Doan was competing in Phoenix, Treliving was working in the front office. The pair spent years together while Treliving was the assistant general manager under Don Maloney.
It’s not surprising to see Treliving bringing friends from his past to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Many executives like to hire their own people. What’s unexpected about this situation is the number of individuals who now occupy a position in direct support of the general manager.
Doan and Clancey were brought on board despite there being a large group in place whose title purpose is to aid Treliving personally. In addition to Doan and Clancey’s roles, there are also four assistant general managers.
According the the Maple Leafs website, this is the team now directly responsible for helping Treliving:
Brandon Pridham – Assistant General Manager
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser – Assistant General Manager, Player Development
Derek Clancey – Assistant General Manager, Player Personnel
Ryan Hardy – Assistant General Manager, Minor League Operations
Darryl Metcalf – Assistant General Manager, Hockey Research and Development
Shane Doan – Special Advisor to the General Manager
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment is going to have to add a new wing to their offices for all the assistant general managers if this keeps up. Keep an eye out for who will be the next person to join the Leafs front office.
If this pattern continues, that person probably spent time with Treliving while with the San Antonio Rampage and will spend this coming season with the title Assistant General Manager, Coffee Retrieval and Snack Procurement.