In a candid address that resonated with hockey fans, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving publicly accepted the blame for his team's deeply disappointing start to the NHL season. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Treliving did not shy away from the team's failures, marking a significant moment of accountability for the struggling franchise.
A Season Failing to Meet Expectations
The Maple Leafs, a team many predicted would be a strong contender, are in a severe slump. Entering Tuesday's action, the team was mired in a four-game losing streak and found itself in a tie for last place in the Atlantic Division with the Buffalo Sabres, holding a dismal 8-9-2 record. This lacklustre performance has created a wave of concern throughout the organisation and among its massive fanbase.
Treliving was direct in his assessment. "We're not where we want to be or envisioned we would be. We've underperformed. I take responsibility," the GM stated. This admission of fault places the spotlight on the front office as the team searches for answers to reverse its fortunes.
Unwavering Support for Head Coach Craig Berube
Despite the team's struggles, Treliving made it abundantly clear that head coach Craig Berube is not the scapegoat. In a strong vote of confidence, the GM reaffirmed his full trust in Berube, who is in his second season leading the team.
"Craig didn't become a bad coach overnight," Treliving asserted, pushing back against calls for a coaching change. "When you go through difficult times, the easy thing is to pick off the coach…the important thing is to not point fingers and dig in together…I have all the faith in the world in him." This public backing is intended to stabilise the team and foster a unified approach to overcoming the current crisis.
The Mounting Injury Crisis
Compounding the team's on-ice issues is a severe injury crisis that has decimated the roster. The Maple Leafs have been without several key players, making it challenging to build any consistency or momentum.
The injury list is a significant one. Superstar centre Auston Matthews remains out with a lower-body issue. The defensive corps has been hit hard, with both Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo on injured reserve. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz and centre Scott Laughton are also sidelined. To make matters worse, depth forward Nicolas Roy was also unavailable for Tuesday's crucial matchup against the St. Louis Blues.
With their general manager taking ownership and their coach receiving a firm endorsement, the Maple Leafs now face the task of turning their season around. The immediate goal was to halt their losing skid against the Blues and begin the arduous process of climbing the divisional standings before their playoff hopes slip further away.
