Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Former Player Among Top Candidates for New Maple Leafs GM

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Garit Reid | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 10:18 AM ET

Following the firing of Brad Treliving on Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs have started an immediate search for a new general manager. President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Keith Pelley, spoke to the media, saying the Leafs will hire a firm to aid the process and that the new GM can’t utter the word “rebuild” and must take a data-centric approach.

More than that, the right person for the job will have to inject life into a team that Pelley believes has the foundational pieces in place.

We could see one of the candidates below become the new Leafs GM, but who wants the role, as the Toronto market is extremely unforgiving.

Top Candidates And Potential Replacements

Ryan Hardy: Current Leafs Assistant GM running day-to-day operations. The argument for is that Hardy is familiar with the team. The argument against is that maybe the Leafs should stay away from anyone already inside the organization.

Doug Armstrong: The St. Louis Blues executive, is considered to be a possible top choice for the role. He’s currently employed and it’s unclear if the Blues will let him out of his contract.

Brandon Pridham: Current Leafs Assistant GM is a possible candidate because of his position within the organization. Pridham is also running day-to-day operations with Ryan Hardy. He’s big into analytics and the salary cap, which could be a huge plus.

Doug Wilson: Currently a senior advisor to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Wilson is a potential and experienced candidate. He was the San Jose Sharks’ general manager from 2003 to 2022.

Chris Pronger: Listed as a potential candidate who could bring a fresh approach to the Leafs. Pronger is out there, staying involved in the NHL. He has no experience at the GM level.

Bill Scott: The Edmonton Oilers Assistant GM has been mentioned as a potential candidate. He’s been in the role for some time and could be deserving of a promotion with another NHL franchise.

Rob Blake: Blake is seen as a candidate, being the former Kings GM from 2017 to 2025

Jason Spezza Could Be Surprising Favorite

“If Jason Spezza feels he’s ready, I can’t imagine why he wouldn’t get an interview,” said NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Spezza, who played with the Leafs for three seasons, joined the Leafs’ front office in May 2022 as a special assistant to GM Kyle Dubas. On May 19, 2023, after the Leafs fired Dubas, Spezza resigned. Shortly afterward, he reunited with Dubas, joining the Penguins as an assistant general manager in June 2023.

Would Spezza come back to Toronto? Or are the bridges too far burned and his loyalty to Dubas too strong?

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: