As the puck prepares to drop on the NHL regular season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger had the opportunity to sit down with general manager Brad Treliving to delve into the team’s eventful off-season, the changes both on the ice and behind the bench, Mitch Marner’s contract negotiations, and the transition of the captaincy from John Tavares to Auston Matthews.
“The interview has been edited for brevity,” noted Dreger before diving into the in-depth conversation with Treliving.
“Dreger: Brad, there’s roster decisions to make and the [salary] cap always factors into the Toronto Maple Leafs – any cap team for that matter – but you do look at individual standouts for training camp and I think it’s fair to say Nick Robertson has been that. Are you prepared, as the regular season is looming, to say that he’s made the club?”
Treliving responded enthusiastically, “It would be hard to say he’s not, based on if anyone’s been watching the games. What’s really impressed me about Nick, I look at last night as a perfect example – the two plays that happened before the goals are Nick making real good defensive plays.”
The general manager praised Robertson’s versatility on the ice, highlighting his offensive prowess as well as his commitment to improving his defensive game. Treliving emphasized the importance of Robertson’s growth and development, emphasizing the young player’s potential to make a significant impact.
“And, quite frankly, I know a lot’s been made over the summer with him – some of it got a little more play than most – but I talked to Nick regularly throughout the summer, and I think he’s gone through a lot here. A lot of it’s been injuries over the last couple of years,” Treliving added. “He wanted to be confident he was going to get an opportunity. He knew he had to pull his end of the bargain, but I look at Nick as a young guy who’s got a real good skill set. They’re hard to come by.”
Dreger seized the opportunity to compare this year’s training camp to the previous season, asking Treliving about the differences he’s observed.
“Treliving: Yeah, I think we’re deeper. From a personal standpoint, I’m more familiar with it. I felt like you’re on the treadmill a little bit last year,” he remarked. “But I look at our group right now, our young players are a year older. Nick Robertson for example, he’s a year older. I think we’ve got more people pushing, we’re deeper in all positions.”
The general manager highlighted the increased competitiveness within the team, noting the influx of talent and depth across all positions. Treliving underscored the importance of having a roster that can continually challenge each other, driving the team to new heights.
With the regular season on the horizon, the Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to embark on a new chapter filled with ambition, talent, and the relentless pursuit of hockey excellence. As Treliving and the team gear up for the challenges ahead, the excitement and anticipation among fans are palpable.
