Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving takes first step toward solutions with honest assessment

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving took a good first step towards turning around the negative situation in which the franchise finds itself.

Treliving held his quarterly news conference at Scotiabank Arena before Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Blues.

"As we sit here today, we’re not where we want to be or where we envision to be," he initially said. "Obviously, we’ve underperformed to this point. And I take full responsibility. I’m in charge of the hockey department, and I put the people in place on the ice, off the ice. So, the responsibility lies with myself."

Treliving recognized that it is not a problem that warrants simple solutions, and there is a lot of work to do.

"There's a lot of areas that need to improve upon," Treliving said, "and my job is working with Craig [Berube], the coaching staff, and our players to get us back going and playing to a level that I believe we’re capable of playing."

Bad Treliving's words are a start, but the Maple Leafs now need actions

Treliving's public accountability was necessary and is the correct start to improve the situation. His words stabilize the situation by backing the coach in the middle of a five-game losing streak. It also manages the trade expectations. 

"The reality in the business is that you’re not trading your way out of problems," he said, making it clear that he will not sell the team's future for a quick fix.

The following changes must be operational and measurable. Berube now has to redefine the team's defensive structure with straightforward rules of back pressure, DZ exits and coverages in the slot to reduce goals against and expected goals against per 60.

It is also necessary to rebalance the new players' minutes, putting them in a position to succeed with teammates and situations where their profile works. They must evaluate specialized use on the second power play unit or PK according to real impact.

Although he made it clear that it is not the definitive solution, Treliving will also have to be attentive to the market, looking for pieces with immediate defensive impact without mortgaging premium assets. The Maple Leafs must avoid panic moves and put tactical fit first.