The Toronto Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving before Monday's win against the Anaheim Ducks, a decision that caught players off guard.
"It's a real tough one, because Brad brought us all in here, tremendous belief in us, and we just didn't deliver," John Tavares said postgame, who noted the team was informed of the news just before warmups. "It falls on us, starting with myself."
The former captain added, "It's just shocking. I think whenever you receive the news, it's shocking, and you're just disappointed."
The Maple Leafs are 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-30-13 record. Toronto is set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
William Nylander reiterated that Treliving isn't the only reason the Leafs have disappointed this campaign.
"Just shows what we did this year wasn't good enough," Nylander said. "That sucks because that comes on the players, too. It's not just his fault."
Treliving's firing shifts the spotlight to head coach Craig Berube and his uncertain future with the organization.
"I don't think about (my future in Toronto), guys," Berube said. "I mean, I really don't. Like, you probably think I'm bullshitting you, but I'm not. I feel for Brad right now and his family. That's what I feel right now."
Berube said it was "difficult" to receive the news of Treliving's firing.
"But that's the business, and that's what happens," Berube said. "We didn't live up to expectations this year, and that's what happens."
He added, "We wanted to build something here, and last year we were right there, but we didn't succeed. This year, we obviously dropped off. I mean, I don't know what to say, guys. I feel for him and his family right now."
