Maple Leafs rumors: 2 of the finalists in running to be named GM

The Toronto Maple Leafs may not be in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. Still, as the center of the hockey universe, the Maple Leafs general manager search might be the most talked-about topic leading into the most important time of the year. Keith Pelley stepped in and fired Brad Treliving this season after Toronto’s massive disappointment, and he’s now looking to fill that role, according to Frank Seravalli via X, formerly Twitter.

“Sources say two of the ‘finalists’ advancing in the Maple Leafs GM search this week are Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold and Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin,” Seravalli reported.

Adding these two names to the mix is an interesting twist after a week when all signs pointed to former NHL general managers Mike Gillis and John Chayka as the frontrunners in the search. Bringing in two less-experienced individuals to potentially run one of the most pressure-inducing roles in sports would be an interesting switch-up from Pelley. After hearing his press conference about his use of artificial intelligence in team building, it’s not surprising that he is willing to think outside the box.

The sudden interest in Evan Gold also aligns with the belief that Toronto is looking at the Boston Bruins as a potential model for how their next 12 months will look. The Bruins tore down their roster at last season’s trade deadline, and instead of doing a full rebuild, restocked their prospect cupboards while also making the playoffs again this season after a one-year absence. If Gold brings the same approach, the Maple Leafs’ organization might be happy to give him the reins.

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