Toronto Maple Leafs Hire Search Firm for New Head of Hockey Operations

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially hired a search firm to identify a new head of hockey operations following the firing of Brad Treliving on March 30, 2026.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) has contracted Neil Glasberg and his firm, The Coaches Agency, to lead the search process. According to reporting from Sportsnet’s Luke Fox and TSN’s Chris Johnston, this marks the first time the Maple Leafs have utilized the firm, although it is the sixth such search the agency has conducted for an NHL club.

Search Criteria and Organizational Vision

MLSE CEO and president Keith Pelley has specified that he is seeking a data-centric leader to head hockey operations. During a press conference on March 31, 2026, Pelley described the hire as the most important decision he will likely make during his tenure.

Pelley indicated that the organization is open to different structural configurations for the front office. The team may either hire a new general manager to fill the role previously held by Treliving or appoint a president of hockey operations to oversee the club’s vision and manage a general manager.

While Pelley noted that he intends to be measured and methodical in his approach, he also stated the need to expedite the process to ensure leadership is in place for the upcoming season.

The Search Process and Potential Candidates

The Coaches Agency emphasizes a universal search strategy designed to establish a vast candidate pool, explicitly advising hiring managers against relying on booster contacts or friendly referrals as primary sources for candidates.

One name that has emerged as a potential candidate is Sunny Mehta, the assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers. Mehta is described as a data-driven specialist who previously worked with the New Jersey Devils, the first NHL team to operate a full-time analytics department. Mehta is also a client of Neil Glasberg, which has drawn attention to the potential link between the candidate and the search firm.

Concerns Over Potential Conflicts of Interest

The appointment of Neil Glasberg has raised questions regarding potential conflicts of interest. According to Frank Seravalli, Glasberg serves as an agent for various coaches and team executives across the NHL while simultaneously leading search firms for those same roles.

Seravalli reported that another NHL team terminated a search firm during the spring of 2026 due to similar conflict-of-interest concerns. Despite these reports, the Maple Leafs have moved forward with the agency to conduct their due diligence.

Context of the Front Office Transition

The search follows a period of instability in the Maple Leafs’ front office. Prior to his dismissal on March 30, Brad Treliving had been engaged in conversations with star player Auston Matthews regarding the future of the team, according to reports from Elliotting Dreger.

The organization is now tasked with finding a leader who can integrate a data-centric approach into the team’s management. The final structure of the front office remains undetermined, as Pelley declined to specify a preferred model during his March 31 press conference, stating there is no single right or wrong way to build a front office.