How can GM Brad Treliving make Maple Leafs' DNA change happen?
Article content
Take your pick, Brad Treliving.
Article content
Article content
Sam Bennett. Brad Marchand. Corey Perry. All of them are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.
Article content
If only it was going to be that easy for Treliving, heading into his third season as Leafs general manager, once free agency opens in the National Hockey League on Canada Day.
Article content
Thursday marks three weeks since Treliving, in his post-playoffs media availability some 11 days after the Leafs were eliminated by the Florida Panthers, said that 'there's some DNA that has to change in our team.'
Article content
That was evident after the Leafs were atrocious in Games 5 and 7 against the Panthers. There was further clarity as the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs progressed into the respective conference finals and the Cup final without, as usual, the Leafs' participation.
Article content
The challenges for Treliving in retooling the Leafs aren't limited.
Article content
Article content
To begin with, if you're Bennett or Marchand, we can't see a reason why either would want to leave Florida.
Article content
Panthers GM Bill Zito said after Florida beat the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Cup final on Tuesday that he thinks he can re-sign Bennett, Marchand and defenceman Aaron Ekblad, never mind that Florida has just $19-million US in salary cap space and have other players to consider as well.
Article content
With the way that each performed in the post-season — Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy after scoring 15 goals in 23 games, narrowly beating Marchand, who had 20 points in 23 games, in the voting done by a panel of Professional Hockey Writers Association members — Bennett and Marchand should have numerous interested teams lined up on the open market.
Article content
Bennett's previous cap hit was $4.425 million. If the 28-year-old forward doesn't at least double that on his next contract, it would be surprising.
Article content
Marchand, of course, at 37 is little more long in the tooth. Still, after what he just accomplished, why would he take anything less than the $6.125-million cap hit he had on an eight-year pact, that he just earned?
Article content
And then there is Perry, who, at the age of 40, scored three goals in the Cup final, though all were scored in Oilers losses. He made $1.15 million this past season. It's obvious Perry still can be a factor, but no matter who signs him, anything long-term should be out of the question.
Article content
With the expectation everywhere that Mitch Marner's time with the Leafs is done, Treliving will have just under $26 million in the bank to use at his discretion to re-model the Leafs roster. Chunks of that sum are earmarked for restricted free agent Matthew Knies and, presumably, John Tavares.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
36 minutes ago
- CTV News
‘A path forward': Regina Red Sox-led study recommends building new baseball stadium at The Yards
A feasibility study commissioned by the Regina Red Sox recommends the advancement of the baseball team's proposal to build a new stadium at The Railyards. This feasibility study, conducted by DCG Philanthropic Services Inc., assessed the community's readiness, stakeholder support, and philanthropic potential for a capital campaign to help fund the stadium. 'Interview participants voiced strong support for the project's objectives, particularly from civic leaders, local businesses, and the baseball community,' the report said. 'While the study identified potential support for a philanthropic campaign in the range of $4.0 million - $8.0 million, the PPP proposal from [the Red Sox] presents a bold, expanded vision supporting The Railyards site, with the baseball stadium acting as a central anchor in a larger mixed-use redevelopment,' the recommendation added. Regina Red Sox) A concept sketch of the 3,500-seat baseball stadium proposed on Dewdney Ave. (Supplied: Regina Red Sox) Currie Field is more than 60 years old with infrastructure well past its life span, according to the team. For well over a decade, the Red Sox have lobbied municipal officials for a new stadium to replace Currie Field. The team first went to city council in 2021 with a concept plan for a 3,500-seat stadium at the site – which the team envisioned the city owning. At the time, the idea was voted down. In July 2024, city council approved the feasibility study which would search for possible private donors and sponsors for a new tier-one ballpark. It came after the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) sent a letter to the Red Sox saying the team's current home at Currie Field was not meeting their minimum regulations and could face suspension until they were resolved. Alan Simpson and Shaun Semple – who last week obtained conditional ownership of the Red Sox beginning in October – proposed the alternative private public partnership (PPP) funding model with the development of the entire 17-acre Dewdney Avenue Railyards site. '[It would] include a privately owned stadium and a complementary broader mixed-use commercial development at the Railyards,' the proposal read. 'DCG believes the PPP approach aligns well with stakeholder feedback and represents a credible, well-capitalized opportunity for the City of Regina,' the report added. They envisioned a $30 million facility would be developed in three phases, beginning with a $15 million investment in core amenities such as the field, seating, and essential infrastructure. Future phases would expand the facility to include enhanced training areas, concessions, and community gathering spaces. 'As far as location goes, there [are] others besides The Railyards,' Simpson told reporters on June 13, when it was announced Semple was taking full ownership of the Red Sox. 'But I think The Railyards is a location that has been an underutilized asset in the city of Regina for at least a decade,' he added. Along with the purchase of the team, Semple also committed to supporting the Red Sox's efforts in getting a new ballpark. 'We're going to do everything we can to provide all the resources the team needs to ensure [fans] have a world class experience each time they come,' he said. 'Sure, we can do it at the current stadium, but with a new stadium I think we can do a lot more.' According to DCG's report, over 90 per cent of the 30 stakeholder interviewees for the study indicated support for the proposal. 'The stadium will revive Dewdney,' the report cited. 'Hotels, restaurants, and bars nearby will all benefit.' 'Concerts, exhibitions, and other events will keep the stadium active beyond the baseball season,' the study went on to say. Regina Red Sox pitch new ball park (Supplied: Regina Red Sox) Key Concerns The report also highlighted several concerns, the largest being taxation. 'Concerns centered on the financial impact to taxpayers and the stadium's perceived priority compared to other municipal needs,' it said. There was also uncertainty about facility management and access for user groups as well as past negative perceptions due to previous failed proposals continued debt for Mosaic Stadium. Skepticism about baseball's popularity in Regina compared to hockey or football and frustration with the lack of a clear city-wide sport and recreation strategy were also expressed. According to the report, the City of Regina has conditionally committed $2.5 million to the project and serious consideration of a land contribution, contingent upon the Red Sox securing an additional $5 million in funding. Those conditions still require final council approval before moving ahead. Preliminary conversations identified more than $600,000 in early donor and sponsorship interest and also identified in excess of $5 million in private investment interest. 'The PPP proposal offers a path forward that would likely reduce direct City costs and speed up timelines with potentially no taxpayer burden,' the report claimed. 'All while delivering a much broader economic and community impact.' In response to the report to CTV News, Mayor Chad Bachynski's office confirmed it received the report this week and will review its findings. 'There is currently no plan to bring it forward to Council at this time,' the mayor's office added.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Canada's Fernandez into quarterfinals at Nottingham with win over Bucsa
Canada's Leylah Fernandez in action against Suzan Lamens on day one of the Rothesay Open in Nottingham, England, Monday June 16, 2025. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP) Canada's Leylah Fernandez advanced to the quarterfinals of the Lexus Nottingham Open tennis tournament after posting a 6-3, 6-4 win over Spain's Cristina Bucsa on Wednesday. Fernandez faced nine break points in the match, but saved all but one. She broke Bucsa three times on six chances in the match that took one hour 43 minutes to complete. The 22-year-old from Laval, Que., improved to 3-0 against Bucsa after previous victories at the Paris Olympics and this year's Australian Open. Fernandez, the fifth seed in Nottingham, England, will next face Dayana Yastremska on Friday at the WTA 250 grass-court event. Fernandez is 2-0 against the 46th-ranked Ukrainian. The Canadian entered the event ranked 30th in the world and evened her record this season at 14-14 with Wednesday's win. Earlier, Montreal's Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., teamed up to defeat third-seeded Americans Evan King and Christian Harrison 7-5, 4-6, 10-8 in men's doubles quarterfinal action at the Terra Wortmann Open. The duo is scheduled to face the second-seeded Italian team of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in Thursday's semifinals. Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov are also set for second-round singles action Thursday at the ATP 500 event in Halle, Germany. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.
CBC
2 hours ago
- CBC
'We're just thrilled for him': Lynn Marchand celebrates son's 2nd Stanley Cup
The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 on Tuesday night to end the Stanley Cup final in six games. Brad Marchand played a big role in the series win. His mother says the family is riding high.
