Brad Treliving announces his top priority as Leafs GM

The Toronto Maple Leafs introduced Brad Treliving as the 28th general manager in franchise history earlier today at Scotiabank Arena, officially kicking off a new era after the five-year run of Kyle Dubas came to a close last month. 

And he'll have to hit the ground running, considering that not only is free-agency quickly approaching, but several of the players that he now is in charge of are up for new contracts in short order. The highest profile player who is entering the final year of his contract is forward Auston Matthews, whom many are speculating could look to leave the Leafs after they cut ties with Dubas. 

According to Treliving, re-signing Matthews is his "No. 1" priority. 

"I communicated with Auston via text," Treliving confirmed. "I know [his agent] Judd [Moldaver], there's a great personal relationship [there]. We're not going to get into any public discourse about contracts but obviously we know where these contracts are at. Auston is one of the elite players in the world. We're not talking about [just] a good player. Getting to Auston is a priority."

"It's getting down [to Arizona] and me getting a chance to meet him and more importantly, Auston getting a chance to meet me," Treliving said. "And [for him to] know what we're about and just talk a little bit. That's priority No. 1. We're prepared to get after it. I'm excited to get a chance to meet with him and thrilled to work with him."

Additionally, William Nylander is eligible to sign a new deal when the calendar turns to July, while the no-moement clauses in the current contracts of both Matthews and Mitch Marner kick in on the same day. 

"We'll go pedal down here pretty quick," Treliving said. "This is not the dating game ... we're going to get right into pushing hard here."

"There's a lot to do," Treliving said. "And the clock is ticking."