Maple Leafs Firing of Treliving May Have Been to Avoid Fallout from Failed Knies Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ decision to fire former general manager Brad Treliving may have been influenced by pressure from Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes following the collapse of a high-profile trade for forward Matthew Knies. According to Toronto Star reporter Jonah Sigel, Hughes told Treliving he expected Toronto to honor the deal, even though it was not filed on time and was officially voided by the NHL.

The trade was finalized in principle just after the 3:00 p.m. deadline, but was submitted at 3:01. As a result, the deal was nullified. Montreal was set to receive Knies in exchange for forward Viktor Zharovsky, a second-round pick in 2026, and a conditional first-round pick in 2027. Toronto also had a prospect included in the deal, though the exact identity has not been disclosed.

Hughes reportedly confronted Treliving about the late filing and allegedly told him, “If you aren’t fired by summer, you have to honor this trade.” While the NHL does not enforce verbal agreements, Hughes felt Treliving had violated an unspoken code among executives. The Canadiens GM believed the deal was done and that Toronto was at fault for the missed filing.

Treliving was fired in early May and replaced by John Chayka and Mats Sundin. Chayka has since taken full control of the Leafs’ front office and has shown no interest in revisiting the Knies deal. The new regime is focused on building through the draft and developing talent from within.

The Maple Leafs had traded for Knies in the hopes of adding a top-six forward, but the return for the young center was not considered blockbuster. The team’s new management has already signaled a shift in priorities, and the Knies trade appears to be off the table for now.

While the NHL would not have forced the trade to happen, the Leafs may have wanted to avoid any future pressure from Hughes or potential trade leverage. With Treliving gone, any verbal commitments between him and Hughes are now irrelevant.

The Leafs are expected to remain active in free agency and the draft, with Chayka looking to reshape the team under new ownership. As for the Canadiens, they will likely remain in pursuit of top centers, with Knies still a coveted target. The league will be watching to see if another trade for the young forward is possible before the 2026-27 season begins.