Maple Leafs GM Search Underway as Mehta Emerges as Betting Favorite

The Toronto Maple Leafs have launched their search for a new general manager following the firing of Brad Treliving on March 30. MLSE president Keith Pelley has retained The Coaches Agency, led by Neil Glasberg, to manage the process.

Pelley stated the search is “wide open” and wants a “data-centric” hire. The team hopes to make an appointment as early as mid-May. Treliving’s three-year tenure ended after the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade, despite a deep playoff run the previous spring.

Sunny Mehta Is the Betting Favorite

Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta sits atop FanDuel’s betting market at -122. His profile aligns closely with what Pelley described at his introductory press conference. “They have to be data-centric,” Pelley said. “Every single decision we make will be evidence-based.”

Mehta holds a master’s degree in data science and was a professional poker player before entering hockey. He joined Florida in 2020 and won two Stanley Cups.

However, Mehta is a client of Neil Glasberg, whose firm is leading the search, a conflict flagged by league sources, though it breaks no NHL rules. The New Jersey Devils could also pursue him after parting ways with GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis is another analytics-leaning candidate. His six seasons in Vancouver produced four 100-point seasons, a Stanley Cup Final appearance, and two Presidents’ Trophies.

Internal Candidates and the Case for Promoting from Within

Brandon Pridham, currently the Leafs’ assistant GM, sits at +1120 in the betting market. He brings deep knowledge of the collective bargaining agreement and a background in scouting. Failing to promote him risks losing him to another team, as several NHL clubs currently have GM vacancies.

Fellow assistant GM Hayley Wickenheiser, who joined the front office in 2018, is reportedly highly regarded by Pelley. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports she is expected to take on a larger role in the next front office, regardless of who is hired.

Veteran GMs Still in the Running

Former Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams sits at +440. He was fired in December, but the Sabres have since surged to second in the Eastern Conference. Former Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi, who is also in the running, oversaw back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014.

Marc Bergevin, who spent over 9 seasons as the Montreal Canadiens’ GM, is considered a conventional choice. Chris Pronger, at +1300, has attracted public attention. “Ontarians have their eyes on Chris Pronger, with 15% of all bets to be the next Leafs GM,” a FanDuel spokesperson stated. Doug Armstrong was an early favorite but fell to +1800 after reports emerged that the St. Louis Blues would not release him from his contract.