Leafs Front Office 2026-27

[Bender]

The key point is half a brain. That fact that Pelley praised Berube so much in the past year and included his opinions in the direction of the roster really makes me think he has no clue. All reporters have mentioned that Berube has more say than a normal coach would have. Given MLSE's track record I would not put anything past these guys. They could leave Beurbe in place so that the next GM can use his "coach firing bullet" if things go off the rails again midway through next season.

I wouldn't put it past them, but I really hope Pelley meant what he said when he said he doesn't want to be involved in those decisions. I would hope that there's no "Two coaches and GM is fired" mentality or "The coach is under contract so we can't fire him." The POHO/GM should be able to have more freedom and flexibility if they need it.

 

[herman]

I really hope Pelley meant what he said when he said he doesn't want to be involved in those decisions

I think he does mean it. He literally left the Leafs alone last season until the Shana-canning. And it looks like he trusted Treliving and Berube* with the wheel early this season until the 18-wheeler had already flipped 3 times down the cliff.

* it's been mentioned somewhere** that Pelley is a huge Berube fan personally
** Steve Simmons

 

[ZBBM]

I agree, but what names are realistically out there and currently available for interviewing?

Well, the list you just quoted contains Chayka for God's sake, which I guess makes your point. I never heard of the last 3. If they are going to pass over their own AGMs for another, the only name there that interests me is the guy from Dallas — they are a solid organization.

That said, is Tulsky the guy everyone would REALLY like to have? If so, move heaven and earth to make a run at him. Throw a ton of money at Carolina.

 

[herman]

People don't want retreads, but also don't want candidates they've never heard of before. And they have to be young and progressive, but experienced enough to be able to handle the Toronto mega-corporate market. It's a pretty small needle head to thread.

Therein lies the benefit of the Gillis + smart new GM (who preferably has a Toronto Maple Leafs Starter pullover windbreaker from the 90s) with extensive AGM experience managing a full team/org.

I think the guy to get is Evan Gold. He was originally the Pridham of the Capitals and Bruins, and absorbed more responsibilities to take on the AHL GM role of the Providence Bruins for the last 4 seasons, finishing top 3 in their division each time and top5ish in the league in that span; most recently the Bruins won the AHL equivalent of the President's trophy (please ignore their playoff results lol).

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2046632743962910803

"this has definitely been a much more comprehensive search than the Leafs put on three years ago"

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Jim Nill would have probably been my one true dream choice, so with him off the table his 2nd in command with Dallas certainly gets a bit of a leg-up for me compared to other AGMs. Might also help having Dallas' former head amateur scout here too already.

 

[Redleaf]

I’ll say the same thing I said they day he walked out the door… Why didn’t they just keep Dubas? Yeah.. I know it’s a worthless opinion now , but if we’d kept him and let Shanahan go instead we’d be in a much better spot right now . We’d probably have another 1st round this year and next year or a great prospect or player to show for the loss of Marner. It was Shanny that f*#ted up this team . Pelley let the wrong guy walk.

 

[dappleganger]

I wouldn't put it past them, but I really hope Pelley meant what he said when he said he doesn't want to be involved in those decisions. I would hope that there's no "Two coaches and GM is fired" mentality or "The coach is under contract so we can't fire him." The POHO/GM should be able to have more freedom and flexibility if they need it.

As long as the moves the GM wants to make fit under the budget (which should be quite large) they should have freedom and flexibility. The President should step in if the GM starts making moves that are self-serving and not in the best interest of the long term feasibility of the club. Pelley should stay out of all it. The board should be making the decisions to move on from the team President.

 

[dappleganger]

All I ask is no John Chayka. Beyond being young, he accomplished nothing in Arizona.

Moldaver would be a hugely interesting pick. Maybe an heir apparent if he is selected as an AGM?

No Chayka please. He definitely came across as a snake oil salesman and like you say, didn't have any success in Phoenix.

I'm intrigued by Moldaver. Essentially he's a salesman and I think that's a big part of the GM job, and I think he'd only come as GM.