The moves GM Brad Treliving has made this offseason, fresh into his role with the Toronto Maple Leafs, have gotten mixed reviews.
Some say the Toronto Maple Leafs spent their money foolishly, while others believe players like Max Domi and John Klingberg can rejuvenate their careers in Toronto.
However, in my opinion, I believe the cards are unfolding the right way for the Toronto Maple Leafs and that management has made strong moves this summer.
As we proceed into training camp and the regular season, I am happy to wait and see. I believe Treliving is carefully observing what his new players can bring to the table, and what he can do with some of the others.
I believe, that after signing star forward Auston Matthews, his agenda is to work on the defensive end of the team and revamp the list of defensemen he has or could work with.
From the moves he has made thus far regarding the defense, he has committed to rental players until the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline and could make major moves if it all comes together to improve the team.
What Are the Toronto Maple Leafs Working On?
The forwards look great, and are one of the deepest groups in the league, and the Leafs also have a lot of stars. The main question of today is will William Nylander get signed before the regular season starts?
Few GMs have ever been gifted as good of a situation as Brad Treliving has. He had 10 expiring contracts and was able to spend almost $20 million dollars this summer. The only problems he was left with that wasn’t great were the two expiring contracts of Matthews and Nylander, one of which he still needs to solve.
Besides Nylander, the main thing the Leafs have to work on is improving their blue-line.
From what I have observed thus far, Treliving is weighing his cards and getting ready to unfold them when the time is right for the team and importantly the players he chooses to add to the roster, not to mention the prospects his scouting team will be looking for.
At this point, we are in a standstill with all the other team’s in the league reflecting on their current state and could possibly reach out the Toronto Maple Leaf’s GM in the near future to procure effective results towards making trades. Basically, there is no rush and the Leafs should be in no hurry to make any moves.
If the trade deadline roles around and they don’t like what they have, only Morgan Rielly is locked up long term, meaning basically any of the other players could be moved to clear cap for new recruits.
As a fan, I am excited to wait and see where the team goes from here, and what the results shall ensue.