The Toronto Maple Leafs' search for a new general manager appears to be coming to a close.
"All signs now point" to the Maple Leafs naming former Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving as their new GM, TSN's Darren Dreger reported Tuesday.
Treliving has reportedly been "very high" on Toronto's list of candidates to replace Kyle Dubas as general manager.
The Maple Leafs announced on May 19 that Dubas would not return after five seasons at the helm, and team president Brendan Shanahan subsequently noted his interest in hiring an experienced candidate.
Former Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin met virtually with Shanahan on Friday, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported earlier Tuesday on "Insider Trading." LeBrun added that despite this meeting, Treliving remained the "front-runner" for the position.
Treliving spent nine years as Calgary's general manager before parting with the team in April. The Flames reportedly denied the Pittsburgh Penguins permission to speak with Treliving earlier in May, but they have since allowed him to speak with both Pittsburgh and Toronto provided he does not participate in discussions around the upcoming NHL draft, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis.
The Flames made the playoffs in five of nine seasons during Treliving's tenure as general manager. Calgary reached the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs twice in that span, losing in five games each time.
Toronto has qualified for the postseason in seven consecutive seasons but has just one series win in that period. The Maple Leafs knocked off the three-time defending Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round in April before losing to the Florida Panthers in five games in Round 2.
The Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins are the two NHL teams currently without a general manager.
