Brad Treliving Addresses Auston Matthews Contract Extension Talks at Introductory Conference

Brad Treliving, the new general manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs, wasted no time addressing the potential contract extension talks with the team’s star center, Auston Matthews, during his introductory press conference on Thursday. Matthews is set to enter the final season of his five-year, $58 million contract and will be eligible to re-sign with Toronto as of July 1. Treliving, who has only been on the job for less than 24 hours, has already connected with Matthews via text and plans to visit him in his home state of Arizona. Building a strong relationship with Matthews, who has a full no-move clause that will kick in on July 1, is a top priority for Treliving.

Matthews, who just finished his fourth consecutive 40-plus goal season and won the NHL’s MVP award in 2019, is considered one of the elite players in the world. However, the Leafs’ lack of playoff success has once again put Matthews and the rest of the team’s core four (Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares) under scrutiny. Treliving stated that he will “review everything” and did not rule out the possibility of trading any of the team’s key players.

Treliving emphasized that his focus is on making the Toronto Maple Leafs a better team. He said, “Being different doesn’t necessarily make you better. This can’t be about the core four; it’s about the Toronto Maple Leafs and the 23 players we have in this organization.” Treliving’s responsibilities extend beyond managing the players on the ice to the person behind the bench. Sheldon Keefe, the current head coach, was brought on by former GM Kyle Dubas in November 2019. Treliving admitted that he doesn’t have a relationship with Keefe, but he plans to get to know him before making any decisions about his future with the club.

While Treliving has a lengthy to-do list this summer, including preparing for the NHL draft and addressing other contractual issues, building relationships with the players and staff is his top priority. He believes that getting to know the players and staff is crucial in determining whether they are a good fit for the team.

Treliving’s involvement with the Leafs at the NHL draft later this month may be limited due to restrictions imposed by the Flames when Calgary gave the Leafs permission to speak with Treliving before his contract officially expired on June 30. Regardless, Treliving is eager to get to work with the Leafs and help make them a better team.