Maple Leafs part ways with GM Brad Treliving amid disappointing season

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Monday that they fired general manager Brad Treliving. 

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley explained that the decision was made after an in-depth analysis.

"Throughout the course of this season, there has been deep analysis into both the current state of the Maple Leafs organization and the direction needed to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering a Stanley Cup championship to the city," Pelley said.

"Brad Treliving is a man that we all have deep respect and appreciation for, both as a hockey executive and as a person, but it was determined that the club must chart a new course under different leadership. The organization is grateful for all that Brad has contributed in his nearly three years with the Maple Leafs, and we wish him and his family the very best."

A season of struggles forces the Maple Leafs' hand

The Maple Leafs are currently seventh in the Atlantic Division with a record of 31-30-13. The situation on the ice has been critical for months, and it was clear that changes were needed.

Treliving and head coach Craig Berube were routinely singled out — especially the general manager — because, despite the team playing well in some games, they were unable to produce consistent results.

This led criticism to focus not only on the players' performance but also on the front office's inability to acquire new pieces before the most recent trade deadline.

The Maple Leafs appear to already be thinking about the offseason, and Treliving's firing is the first major step toward planning for next season.