**Announcement: Three Issues Leafs GM Brad Treliving Must Address Before Training Camp**
As we approach mid-August, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving faces critical decisions that need to be resolved before the team hits the ice for training camp. With only a few weeks remaining in the offseason, the focus sharpens on what Treliving must address to set the Maple Leafs up for success.
Firstly, Treliving needs to resolve the status of Mitch Marner. Although Marner has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay in Toronto, trade rumors persist, casting a shadow over his future. With Marner eligible for a new contract, the clock is ticking. If Treliving doesn’t secure a deal soon, Marner could become a trade deadline candidate, risking the chance of losing him for nothing if he hits free agency in 2025. Given Marner’s impressive performance last season—scoring 80 points in 69 games despite an injury—he’s poised for a strong start next season and could potentially hit the 100-point mark. Treliving must decide whether to lock him up now or gamble on future negotiations.
Secondly, securing a long-term contract for Matthew Knies should be a priority. Knies, who had an impressive rookie season with 35 points in 80 games, is poised for a substantial raise. The longer Treliving waits, the more expensive Knies’s new deal might become. By addressing Knies’s contract now, Treliving can avoid paying a premium based on Knies’s performance alongside the team’s stars in the upcoming season. A proactive approach could save the team money and solidify Knies’s role within the organization.
Finally, Treliving needs to make a decision on Nicholas Robertson. The restricted free agent, who struggled to find consistent playing time last season and has expressed a desire for a fresh start, remains unsigned. Robertson’s potential was evident during his time with the Marlies, where he scored 11 points in nine AHL games. However, his limited opportunities with the Leafs led to uncertainty about his future in Toronto. Trading Robertson before training camp could be a wise move, allowing him to find a new home where he can have a more significant role and potentially thrive.
By addressing these three issues—Marner’s contract, Knies’s extension, and Robertson’s future—Treliving can ensure that the Maple Leafs enter training camp without distractions, setting the stage for a successful season.
