It was reported by NHL insider, Pierre LeBrun Thursday that the Toronto Maple Leafs and long-time Executive and Assistant GM Laurence Gilman are parting ways this summer.
Gilman's contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs is ending in one month and the team and Gilman are mutually agreeing to part ways.
Gilman 59, has been with the Leafs organization for the past six years.
He was hired in 2018 to serve as Assistant GM to Kyle Dubas and GM of the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Make Front Office Changes
Gilman served in that capacity until 2021 when the Leafs hired two-time USHL GM of the year winner and former Chicago Steel GM Ryan Hardy to take over for the Marlies. He then moved to a Senior Vice President role of hockey operations for the Marlies where he has been for the past few seasons.
Hearing that Laurence Gilman has parted ways with the Maple Leafs organization. Mutual decision. His deal expires this month. Veteran hockey executive now on the open market. Should draw interest.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 13, 2024
Over his 25-plus year career in hockey, Gilman has served in various roles with the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes and the Vancouver Canucks organizations. He was an assistant-GM for Mike Gillis with the Canucks when they made it to the 2011 Stanley Cup finals. He also worked for the NHL from 2016 until 2018, there he helped to create the rules for the Vegas Golden Knights expansion draft.
It is unclear where Gilman will be headed to next, although he likely has plenty of options. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, he will undoubtedly land on his feet and have no troubles finding work in the game if he chooses.
Gilman is the fourth high-profile member of the Toronto Maple Leafs off-ice team to leave this summer.
First, Head Coach Sheldon Keefe was fired on May 9th and replaced with Craig Berube. Two of Keefe's assistant coaches, Dean Chynoweth and Manny Malhotra were also let go by the Leafs.
The Leafs have so far replaced the two coaches with Lane Lambert , the former New York Islanders head coach, while Keefe's other assistants, Guy Boucher, and Mike Van Ryn appear to be sticking around, though it is doubtful that Boucher will continue to be in charge of the power-play.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a busy summer ahead with 22 free-agents, a draft, July 1st and Mitch Marner to deal with.
They also need to rebuild their blue-line and find a starting goalie, while being sure not to waste any more of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner or William Nylander's primes. If you like constant hockey news and discussion, this summer promises to be a fun one.