Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Maple Leafs GM's Seat 'Couldn't Possibly Get Any Hotter'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 11:20 AM ET

As the Toronto Maple Leafs spiral further down the standings, The Athletic's Chris Johnston made it clear on Tuesday that general manager Brad Treliving is in a precarious situation.

Johnston put together another mailbag, and in the first entry of it, the reporter addressed a blunt question from a fan regarding Treliving’s job security.

“The seat couldn’t possibly get any hotter,” Johnston wrote.

The Maple Leafs enter Tuesday sitting last in the Eastern Conference with 21 points in 22 games and a 9-10-3 record. They’ve lost seven of eight and haven’t won in regulation since Nov. 5, and currently allow the second-most goals per game in the league.

Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager Brad Treliving reacts to a question during an introductory press conference at Scotiabank Arena.Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Johnston pointed out that Treliving is gauging the market for trade options, but he mentioned that Treliving himself acknowledged trades won't solve all of Toronto's problems.

That's mostly because the Leafs are handcuffed by several no-move clauses included in their players' contracts, as well as an underperforming roster and the fact that they have few assets after last season's trades and recent offseason transactions.

“Very little can be ruled out as a possibility at this point,” Johnston added. “The Leafs aren’t at a point where they’re shopping superstars, but every player below that tier on the roster could be considered available if the right trade came along.”

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube during a break in play.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Since taking over, Treliving has publicly backed head coach Craig Berube and rejected calls for a coach change, most recently during his latest press conference.

Johnston did not forecast imminent action on any front, but noted that Toronto's position could force the front office into bolder decisions.

“While Treliving has vowed that he can’t trade himself out of this predicament,” Johnston wrote, “it hasn’t kept the general manager from gauging the market on his players.”

The Maple Leafs return to action Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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