Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving needs to rethink his team-building philosophy

The Toronto Maple Leafs can't get out of their slump. They are now on a five-game losing streak, with an overall record of 8-9-2 for Craig Berube's team.

The coach described his roster as "unconfident" after the 3-2 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. Berube must make tactical adjustments beyond a wake-up call, but the front office must also change things.

GM Brad Treliving's strategy of building toughness through hit counts and physical profiles has not made the Maple Leafs a tough team to play against, nor has it improved results. The front office is chasing the wrong rabbit. The refocus must be towards roster quality and system.

Why Brad Treliving's blueprint is failing the Maple Leafs

In the last three years, Toronto has been in the top 10 in hits/60, without translating into a real reputation of toughness or into victories. More hits usually translate to less puck possession, and that has been the case with the Leafs under Berube.

The toughness comes primarily from the fourth line/third pair, with players like Simon Benoit, Steven Lorentz, Sammy Blais, and Dakota Joshua. They are low-impact minutes against less dangerous competition. In other words, this does not affect key rivals nor change games.

There are profiles misaligned with impact, as is the case with Max Domi, who stands up for teammates but little in territorial play. Brandon Carlo in the top four is a gift for the opposition if his real level is that of a third pair. These decisions reflect a prioritization of a narrative of hits over tactical utility.

Without an adequate roster, Berube will never be able to execute a system of locking down the middle of the ice and fast transitions. The flaw is systemic, which is why, just like his players, perhaps Treliving also needs a wake-up call.