Did Treliving Just Take Shot at Mitch Marner? 'There's Some DNA That Needs to Change'

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Leafs GM Brad Treliving told the media that 'There’s some DNA that needs to change in our team'

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving just held his long-awaited postseason press conference, and the one earth-shaking statement that will be held under the microscope more than any other—by far—is being looked at by some as a direct shot at (likely) outgoing UFA Mitch Marner:

“There’s some DNA that needs to change in our team," said Treliving.  

The Leafs' continual playoff disappointments over the last nine years are often looked at as a failure of key members of the 'Core Four', such as Marner and Auston Matthews, to rise to the moment... To avoid panic (which the GM also alluded to), and to bring the grit and grind needed to win a playoff series. 

With Marner being an unrestricted free agent, and a pretty universal belief around town that he will head to the market on July 1, moving on from Marner could very well be that "DNA change" that Treliving speaks of.

Then he was put on the spot: Will he say for certain that he will be offering the 100-point man another contract extension before July 1, he was asked? 

"No," the GM bluntly offered, "we're going through that process." 

Leafs GM Brad Treliving gave no guarantees of another contract offer to Marner

No guarantees of a contract offer. Does that say it all? 

Treliving also repeated a couple of times that "(Marner)’s got a say in the matter," while never outright saying that he wants Marner back or that he hopes he's a part of their future.

An intriguing next few weeks coming up for Leafs Nation.

Photo: © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images


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