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Leafs GM Brad Treliving just had all of his trade hopes dashed by Darren Dreger


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Alexander Cole
December 18, 2025  (8:57)
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Jun 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager Brad Treliving is introduced at a press conference at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving needs to get some trades done, although, according to Darren Dreger, that might be more difficult than expected.

Brad Treliving has one of the hardest jobs in hockey right now, as he has been tasked with taking the Toronto Maple Leafs to the promised land.
Unfortunately, this has not been particularly easy. Following the departure of Mitch Marner, the Leafs have been desperate to add some point production and playmaking to the team.
Going into the trade deadline, Treliving's biggest target right now is some sort of top-six forward who can be paired on the first line with Auston Matthews.
As you can imagine, the Maple Leafs would have to give up a lot in order to acquire such a player. After all, teams don't give up these kinds of guys for free.

Darren Dreger spells it out for the Toronto Maple Leafs

According to Darren Dreger, Treliving is feeling a bit greedy right now, and would like to add two top-six forwards, as the second line has been a revolving door.
However, the playmakers that would be good for Matthews and Nylander, simply aren't available on the market right now, which makes Treliving's job impossible.
We know that Treliving would love to add another top six forward, maybe two top six forwards; the Leafs cupboard is not as stocked; the type of playmaking player that Mathews needs...isn't available
At this stage, it is hard to imagine what Treliving and the Leafs are going to do. For now, it seems like their best bet is to trade for a puck-moving defenseman.
Dougie Hamilton and Rasmus Andersson are both available for a trade, and it seems like the Leafs are interested in both of these players, which is certainly a start.
With the Leafs struggling to get into a playoff spot, some difficult decisions are going to have to be made, and there is no telling if the Leafs are ready for this.
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DECEMBRE 18   |   538 ANSWERS
Leafs GM Brad Treliving just had all of his trade hopes dashed by Darren Dreger

Do you believe Brad Treliving can still find a good deal for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

YES17632.7 %
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