The Leafs were preparing for a much-anticipated rematch against Radko Gudas and the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night when MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley announced the organization was parting ways with general manager Brad Treliving.

“It’s just shocking,” said centre John Tavares. “I think whenever you receive the news it’s shocking and you’re just disappointed.”

“A little shocking, to be honest,” echoed winger Matthew Knies. “Pretty abrupt. You know, not much of a notice right before the game. I feel like it was pretty close to the game, so not really enough time to digest it and think about it, really.”

Head coach Craig Berube broke the news to his players just before warmups were set to begin inside the Honda Center. The coach stressed the need to remain focused, and his players delivered in a penalty-filled 5-4 overtime win against the top team in the Pacific Division.

But after the game the gravity of what happened to Treliving set in.

“He gave me an opportunity here and I feel like we let him down this year,” said Berube, who was hired by Treliving ahead of the 2024-25 season.

“Obviously it’s sad,” said winger William Nylander, who was signed to the richest deal in franchise history (eight years, $92 million) by Treliving. “Just shows what we did this year wasn’t good enough. That sucks because that comes on the players too. It’s not just his fault.”

It’s been a hugely disappointing season for the Leafs, who sit 11 points out of a playoff spot with seven games remaining. Toronto’s nine-year run of playoff appearances is about to come to an end.

And Treliving’s tenure in Toronto has ended after three seasons at the helm.

“In times like these, how I feel is that it’s on the players,” said defenceman Morgan Rielly, who is the longest-serving Leafs player.

The Leafs had high hopes entering the 2025-26 season after finishing first in the Atlantic Division and pushing the eventual champion Florida Panthers to Game 7 in the second round of the playoffs. It was the longest playoff run in the Auston Matthews era.

After last season, Pelley parted ways with Brendan Shanahan and did not name a new president.

Mitch Marner departed for Las Vegas in a sign-and-trade deal with Treliving trying to use the new salary cap space to change the DNA of a team that got blown out 6-1 in its last two home playoff games against the Panthers.

But the Leafs struggled out of the gates this season and never seemed to gain much traction.

“Brad brought us all in here, tremendous belief in us, and we just didn’t deliver,” said Tavares, who was signed to a four-year extension by Treliving last summer. “It falls on us, starting with myself, and just not playing consistent enough, and what we need to do to be a better hockey team.”

The DNA change never seemed to take hold with Treliving expressing disappointment after no Leafs players on the ice immediately confronted Gudas after the Ducks defenceman ended Matthews’ season with a knee-on-knee hit on March 12.

During a downbeat media session on trade deadline day, Treliving took responsibility for the team’s poor performance and acknowledged some roster construction issues. And now he’s paid the price with his job.

“It’s difficult,” said Berube. “It’s still difficult right now for me, but that’s the business and that’s what happens. We didn’t live up to expectations this year and that’s what happens.”

“It’s starting to set in, and I wish him the best of luck,” said Knies, who was signed to a six-year extension by Treliving last summer. “I thought he was an unbelievable person. He got to know me really well, and, you know, I cherish that relationship we had.”

With Pelley due to address the media on Tuesday afternoon in Toronto, Berube was asked if he’s thinking about his future with the team.

“I don’t think about it, guys,” the 60-year-old insisted. “I mean, I really don’t. You probably think I’m bulls–ting you, but I’m not. I feel for Brad right now and his family. That’s what I feel right now.”

Tuesday is a day off for the players. The team is scheduled to practice in Anaheim on Wednesday before heading to San Jose ahead of Thursday’s game against the Sharks.