Toronto, ON – Maple Leafs General Manager Brad treliving emphasized the organization’s commitment to integrating new players and establishing a stronger team identity ahead of the upcoming season, while also noting the roster is largely set as training camp approaches. Treliving addressed questions following recent roster changes, including Mitch Marner‘s departure for Las Vegas and the additions of Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Nicolas Roy.
Treliving acknowledged the team has undergone ”some turnover” but praised the coaching staff for successfully evolving the team’s approach throughout the previous year. “We’ve had some turnover. You credit the coaches as we’ve changed our identity a little bit. I thought thay did a really good job of building that throughout the year,” he stated. He described training camp as crucial for team building, adding, “Every team’s a bit of a work in progress when you come to camp.”
Regarding the shift in team identity, Treliving highlighted a focus on defensive play, instilled by head coach Craig Berube.”I think one of the things (head coach) Craig (Berube) really instilled was playing behind people, being harder to play against at both nets, and that was the focus of our whole coaching staff throughout the year.” He also pointed to an emphasis on forechecking and puck management in critical areas,drawing parallels to triumphant teams like Florida.
While acknowledging the core talent remains, Treliving indicated the team will continue to evaluate potential additions. ”We’re always looking. I don’t think you ever stop. Whether it happens or not, we’ll see,” he said, adding that the current roster is likely to be the one entering training camp. “More than likely, unless something changes, we’ll go with what we’ve got and see where it all sorts itself out.”
