Maple Leafs Should Move On From Treliving, Berube, and Marner Eras
The article argues that Toronto should close the book on three recent chapters: former general manager Brad Treliving, head coach Craig Berube, and forward Mitch Marner. It says Treliving's focus on size and physicality made the team slower, while Berube's direct system limited its most creative players. With John Chayka now shaping the roster around speed and puck skill, the piece suggests the organization is finally looking forward.
Toronto’s 2026-27 start is 2-2-1 through five games, including an overtime win over Nashville after trailing 3-0. Brad Treliving took over from Kyle Dubas in 2023 and emphasized bigger, more physical players; the result, the piece argues, was a slower roster. John Chayka now favors speed, puck skill, and possession, while Jim Hiller, the new coach, wants Toronto to keep the puck and give its stars more creative freedom.
Mitch Marner’s chapter is framed as the most important to close. Toronto won the draft lottery and picked Gavin McKenna, then added Sergei Bobrovsky and Darren Raddysh and acquired younger Kirill Marchenko. McKenna is seen as a potential elite scorer, and Marchenko adds another offensive threat. Auston Matthews’ four-point outing against Nashville is noted as a small early sign under Hiller.
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