Brad Treliving, Jason Spezza lead Hockey Canada’s management group at 2026 IIHF World Championship

Former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving will lead Hockey Canada’s management group at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, Hockey Canada announced Monday.

Treliving will be joined by Jason Spezza on Canada’s management team. Spezza is currently operating as the assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He previously spent time with the Maple Leafs as an assistant to the general manager for the 2022-23 season, then joined Kyle Dubas with the Penguins.

Dubas will provide additional support to Treliving and Spezza throughout the tournament, Hockey Canada stated.

“Brad brings invaluable experience from previous international events and the NHL, and Jason is a rising NHL executive that brings a wealth of experience as a player both professionally and internationally, and we are excited that these two will lead our team at the IIHF World Championship,” Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of hockey operations for Hockey Canada said in a release. “Kyle’s experience from the previous two world championships, 4 Nations Face-Off and Olympics will provide consistency to our program, and while Kyle continues to prioritize the success of the Pittsburgh Penguins, we look forward to his support as Brad and Jason build a staff and roster that gives us the best chance to be successful in Switzerland.”

Treliving was fired from his role as general manager of the Maple Leafs on March 30. During his tenure with the Maple Leafs, the team continued to present itself as a leading Stanley Cup contender, before faltering in the playoffs. With the Maple Leafs missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade, and some ambiguity over his impending contract status, MLSE decided to fire Treliving before the end of the year.

Canada begins its tournament on May 15. It’s possible that John Tavares could reunite with Treliving, with the Maple Leafs out of the playoffs. Tavares has previously won gold at the World Juniors and Olympics for Canada.