Report: New Leafs GM Brad Treliving has already reached out to Auston Matthews’ camp

Brad Treliving wasted little time in introducing himself to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ biggest star.

Before he even finalized his multi-year contract, the incoming Leafs GM reached out to Auston Matthews’ camp to open the lines of communication as early as possible, according to a report from Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

Here’s what Fox had to say:

Matthews is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason as his five year deal with the Leafs is set to expire at the end of this season. Matthews’ current contract carries a cap hit of $11.6 million.

The Leafs officially announced the signing of Treliving on Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Brad into the Maple Leafs organization,” said Brendan Shanahan. “Brad brings a wealth of knowledge from his years of experience as a General Manager and hockey executive in Calgary, Arizona and beyond. He has earned tremendous respect amongst his peers throughout his years in the NHL and has built excellent relationships at all levels within the game. We are confident that Brad’s leadership and strategic vision will elevate the Maple Leafs in our continued pursuit of a championship.”

“I am very excited and honoured to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as General Manager,” said Brad Treliving. “I would like to thank Brendan, MLSE and its Board for their support throughout this process. I’m thrilled to join an Original Six team and recognize how much the Maple Leafs mean to this community. This is a very exciting day for my family and I.”

Treliving spent over a decade with the Phoenix Coyotes in various roles before replacing Jay Feaster as the general manager of the Calgary Flames ahead of the 2014-15 season. He led the Flames to five playoff appearances over the course of nine seasons and parted ways with the organization following a disappointing result in 2022-23.