Brad Treliving: A Hockey Executive with a Trade Deadline Appetite

A Look into the Career and Moves of the Calgary Flames General Manager

Early Life and Playing Career

Brad Treliving was born on August 18, 1969, in Penticton, British Columbia. He played junior hockey with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) before being drafted 119th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. Treliving played six seasons in the NHL with the Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Philadelphia Flyers, primarily in a defensive role.

Transition to Hockey Executive

After retiring from playing, Treliving transitioned to a career in hockey management. He served as the general manager of the Tri-City Americans of the WHL from 2002 to 2007 before joining the Phoenix Coyotes front office in 2007. In 2014, he was named the general manager of the Calgary Flames, the team he once played for.

Tenure with the Flames: A History of Trades

Treliving has a reputation for being a bold and aggressive general manager, known for making significant trades to improve the Flames' roster. Some of his most notable moves include:

• Acquiring Johnny Gaudreau from the Flames in 2014
• Trading for Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin in 2018
• Acquiring Matthew Tkachuk in 2018
• Trading Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in 2022

Assessing Treliving's Impact

Treliving's tenure with the Flames has been marked by both successes and disappointments. The Flames have reached the playoffs in each of the last six seasons, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. However, the team has struggled to consistently perform at a high level and has yet to win the Stanley Cup under Treliving's leadership.

Conclusion

Brad Treliving is a prominent figure in the hockey world, known for his aggressive approach to managing the Calgary Flames. His tenure has been characterized by both notable trades and mixed results on the ice. As the Flames continue to pursue their first Stanley Cup since 1989, Treliving's role in shaping the team's future will continue to be closely scrutinized.