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Maple Leafs GM Decision Timeline Emerges After Exit Interviews
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- Maple Leafs GM Decision Timeline Emerges After Exit Interviews
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the middle of a front-office reset after missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
The team finished last in the Atlantic Division at 32-36-14 and 78 points, and moved on from former general manager Brad Treliving after three seasons and before the regular season ended.
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That decision triggered the search for both a new president of hockey operations and a new general manager.
NHL reporter Frank Seravalli shared an update on Sunday evening on where that process stands and when it could conclude regarding the new Leafs GM.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube poses with a team jersey alongside former general manager Brad Treliving.Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
“Sources say the Maple Leafs are advancing to the ‘finalist’ stage of their interview process this week. No guarantee on timeline but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a new GM in place by the end of the week,” Seravalli said.
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The update points to a faster resolution than expected, as no real progress in the GM hiring process had been reported before.
Although multiple candidates have been linked to the role, including Leafs assistant GM Hayley Wickenheiser among other external options, no decision has been finalized entering this week.
At the time of Treliving’s dismissal, CEO Keith Pelley emphasized the importance of the new hire.
“This will be the most important decision I make during my tenure at MLSE,” Pelley said. “The number one goal right now is for us to move as quick as we possibly can into an exhaustive search to put somebody in place to run hockey operations who will be able to make those decisions,” Pelley said.
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The next general manager will take over a roster led by captain Auston Matthews, who addressed the uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction during his exit interview at the end of last week.
“I can’t predict the future,” Matthews said. “They have to hire new leadership at management and stuff like that. So, I don’t really know.”
Related: Full 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule, Updated Bracket and Results
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
