Brad Treliving has offered insights into the Toronto Maple Leafs’ strategy as the NHL trade deadline approaches, emphasizing his satisfaction with the team’s recent play, particularly their resilience on the road. He noted that while the team has been playing well, he is still exploring ways to improve the roster, particularly focusing on defense and depth. Treliving made it clear that he is not focused on making flashy trades but rather on finding incremental improvements that could strengthen the team.
Regarding the deadline, Treliving stated that while the Eastern Conference remains competitive, including defending champion Tampa Bay, he does not feel compelled to make a “big swing” but instead will evaluate what players are available and how they could fit into the team’s needs. The addition of depth players like Nick Robertson, Pontus Holmberg, and David Kampf contributing offensively has been encouraging, and Treliving sees these contributions as key to relieving some of the pressure on the top players.
Treliving also provided updates on the health of players like Calle Jarnkrok, indicating that the player is nearing a return after a long absence. Additionally, he discussed his excitement about the recent signing of Borya Valis from the WHL, describing him as a skilled two-way player with good size, skating ability, and offensive potential.
Treliving concluded by reaffirming his belief in the current team and the importance of evaluating how to make improvements without compromising the team’s long-term prospects, including its younger talent like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten.
