Toronto Maple Leafs Brad Treliving ready to go into 2024-25 season with ‘Core Four’, new coach….
Toronto, ON – The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the 2024-25 NHL season with renewed energy, optimism, and perhaps the most stable foundation they’ve had in years. Under the leadership of General Manager Brad Treliving, the team has doubled down on its commitment to the “Core Four” — Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares — while introducing a new head coach to the mix. As training camp looms, Treliving’s confidence in the team’s direction is palpable, and Leafs Nation is eager to see if this season will finally break the franchise’s Stanley Cup drought.
A Steadfast Commitment to the ‘Core Four’
Since Brad Treliving took the reins as GM of the Maple Leafs in 2023, one of his most scrutinized decisions has been his approach to the team’s star players. Dubbed the “Core Four,” Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and Tavares have been the bedrock of the Leafs’ offense, each bringing a unique blend of skill, leadership, and star power. However, this core group has also been at the center of heated debates, especially in the wake of repeated playoff disappointments.
Treliving, however, has remained steadfast in his belief that these four players are key to the Leafs’ success. Despite the outside noise and calls for breaking up the core to retool the roster, Treliving has opted for continuity. He recently signed Matthews to a long-term extension, securing the star center through the 2030 season, while also negotiating new deals with Marner and Nylander that keep them in Toronto for the foreseeable future.
“These guys are special players,” Treliving said in a recent interview. “You don’t find talents like Auston, Mitch, Willy, and John every day. They’ve been the heart of this team, and I believe they’re going to lead us to where we need to go. It’s about building the right pieces around them and giving them the support they need to succeed.”
Treliving’s confidence is reflected in the contracts he has handed out. Matthews’ extension, reportedly making him the highest-paid player in the NHL, signals the Leafs’ commitment to their franchise cornerstone. Similarly, Treliving has worked to ensure Marner and Nylander, two of the league’s most dynamic wingers, remain in Toronto, providing the team with one of the most potent top-six forward groups in the NHL.
A New Voice Behind the Bench
While the Core Four remains intact, the 2024-25 season will feature a significant change behind the bench. After parting ways with head coach Sheldon Keefe, who had guided the Leafs through several seasons of regular-season success but playoff heartbreak, Treliving brought in a fresh face to steer the ship: Jay Woodcroft.
Woodcroft, known for his innovative coaching style and ability to connect with players, comes to Toronto after a successful stint with the Edmonton Oilers, where he played a key role in developing young talent and maximizing the potential of superstar Connor McDavid. His experience in handling top-tier talent was a major factor in Treliving’s decision to bring him on board.
“Jay has a great mind for the game,” Treliving noted. “He’s someone who understands how to get the best out of elite players while also building a cohesive team. His track record speaks for itself, and I’m excited to see how he can take our group to the next level.”
Woodcroft’s hiring has been met with enthusiasm from the players as well. Auston Matthews, who is expected to take on an even larger leadership role this season, expressed his excitement about the new coach.
“Jay brings a lot of energy and fresh ideas,” Matthews said during a media availability. “We’re all looking forward to working with him and seeing what we can accomplish together. There’s a real sense of belief in this group, and I think he’s the right guy to help us get to that next step.”
Building Around the Core
While retaining the Core Four and bringing in a new head coach were the headline moves of the offseason, Treliving has also been busy rounding out the rest of the roster. Understanding the importance of depth, he has made several key additions to bolster the team’s defense and bottom-six forward group.
On the blue line, Treliving acquired veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm in a trade with the Nashville Predators. Ekholm, known for his steady defensive play and leadership, is expected to play a crucial role in mentoring the younger defensemen on the roster while also providing a reliable presence in the top four.
Additionally, Treliving brought in forward Blake Coleman, a gritty, two-way player who won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coleman’s experience and versatility are seen as vital components to the Leafs’ playoff aspirations, especially in the grind of postseason hockey.
“We’ve added some pieces that we think will really complement our core,” Treliving explained. “Guys like Ekholm and Coleman bring a wealth of experience and know what it takes to win. That’s invaluable to us as we push for a deep playoff run.”
The Pressure is On
As the Leafs prepare for the new season, the pressure on the organization is as intense as ever. The team’s last Stanley Cup victory came in 1967, and the passionate fan base is hungry for success. The Core Four have faced criticism for their inability to lead the team beyond the first two rounds of the playoffs, and this season will be a defining one for both the players and management.
Brad Treliving is well aware of the expectations. “We know what’s at stake,” he said. “This is a city that demands excellence, and we’re committed to delivering that. But we’re not just thinking about the pressure; we’re focusing on the process. We have a plan, we have the players, and we have the coaching staff to execute it. Now it’s about going out there and getting the job done.”
Looking Ahead
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the Maple Leafs. The new season brings with it a mixture of hope, excitement, and anxiety. Can the Core Four finally deliver when it matters most? Will Jay Woodcroft be the coach to guide the team to postseason glory? And can Brad Treliving’s vision for the franchise translate into tangible success?
For now, Treliving remains confident in the direction the team is headed. “We have the pieces in place,” he reiterated. “Now it’s about putting it all together and making sure we’re ready to compete every night. I believe in this group, and I believe this could be the year we take that big step forward.”
As the puck drops on the 2024-25 season, the Maple Leafs will have the chance to prove that they are more than just regular-season contenders. With their core players locked in, a new voice behind the bench, and a bolstered roster, the stage is set for Toronto to chase the elusive Stanley Cup — and Brad Treliving is ready to lead the charge.
