Brad Treliving receives a huge vote of confidence from Wayne Gretzky
When Wayne Gretzky speaks, people listen. When Wayne Gretzky speaks about the Leafs, you had better believe that Leafs Nation will be hanging on his every word. Refusing to sign Gretzky as a free agent will forever be one of Harold Ballard's most heinous crimes, but the respect that Leaf fans have for Gretzky may never go away.
Now a member of a fantastic new NHL on TNT hockey panel, Gretzky spends most of his time commenting on and analyzing American teams. This week, he took the time to join The Leafs Nation and the Leafs Morning Take podcast to talk about everyone's favourite team.
The Leafs are in a period of transition, Kyle Dubas is out. Brad Treliving is in. Alex Kerfoot, Justin Holl and Michael Bunting are gone, replaced by Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi and John Klingberg. Gretzky shared his thoughts on Brad Treliving this morning, as well as the moves he's made since taking over as GM.
"They tweaked their team a little bit this off season. I like what they've added to the team. Reaves is one of our favourites on TNT and we jokingly say he's the TNT man of the year. He's just a wonderful team guy and I think he's gonna bring a presence to their team - good for him. So I like the moves they've made. My dad went to 35 out of 40 Leafs games a year and I know that in his heart he wanted so badly and desperately to see them win the Stanley Cup so hopefully this is their year.
Brad Treliving is a wonderful man. We worked together in Phoenix years ago - I think he's the right guy to take on the responsibility and take on the pressure of running the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lets face it, it's tough. It's difficult, but I think he can handle it. I like their team, I like what they've done, good for them. I hope they have a great year." - Wayne Gretzky on Brad Treliving and the Leafs
To receive such a glowing review from the greatest hockey player of all time, Treliving must be doing something right. Although the team is still well over the cap and more moves need to be made, Treliving's start in Toronto has been a positive one in the eyes of many. For the sake of the Wayne's late father, Walter Gretzky, and the rest of Leafs Nation, I hope that this is their year as well.
POLL |
JUILLET 10 | 437 ANSWERS Brad Treliving receives a huge vote of confidence from Wayne Gretzky How do you feel about the job that Brad Treliving has done with the Leafs so far? |
He's done very well | 192 | 43.9 % |
He's just been ok | 91 | 20.8 % |
Don't like the moves he's made | 21 | 4.8 % |
I'm willing to wait and see | 133 | 30.4 % |
List of polls |
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Previously on MapleLeafsDaily