Brad Treliving believes Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs must undergo a cultural shift

The latest playoff elimination for the Toronto Maple Leafs has left discussions about missed opportunities and deeper structural changes that this team must deal with. Post-season, GM Brad Treliving immediately went into talking about the team's "DNA" and the required changes rather than focusing on a specific missed opportunity or a shot.

With heavy foundational decisions lying ahead, including that of star forward Mitch Marner, it looks like the Leafs will undergo a major overhaul, both philosophically and in personnel.

GM Brad Treliving upsets Nancy; keeps Mitch Marner waiting for his future

Brad Treliving stated that for too long now, the franchise has come to accept early playoff exits. Despite finishing strong in the regular season, the playoffs exposed the franchise in glaringly obvious ways against the Florida Panthers: the franchise lost in an embarrassingly one-sided fashion in Game 5, and again in Game 7.

Treliving spoke of reprogramming the mental and competitive zenith of the franchise going forward, especially at the most intense times.

According to the general manager, true competitiveness is a function of a resilient mindset and talent. He further explained that such a team must develop its mentality and identity if it wants to win at crunch time. While personnel changes will ensue, Treliving intimated that equally important are structural attitude changes.

One of the most important issues remains that of Mitch Marner, who is now heading into the final year of his contract. Calling Marner a "tremendous player," Treliving would not commit to a long-term deal. He confirmed that a meeting with Marner had taken place; however, the sides were both still decompressing after the conclusion of the season. He emphasized the need for the organization to keep an open mind and not force itself into rigid planning structures or roles.The Leafs already set the tone for change in the executive ranks earlier this season by opting not to renew Brendan Shanahan's contract as team president. MLSE CEO Keith Pelley has signaled that deciding on a replacement is not an immediate priority, suggesting that any further restructuring might therefore be more protracted. In addition to the Mariano Marner contract-related issues, John Tavares' contract will also come to the fore, along with that of restricted free agent Matthew Knies.

As Treliving approaches his third season as GM, the magnitude of expectation remains, but at the same time, the margin for error is closing fast.Also Read: Brad Treliving warns Maple Leafs of the “real challenges” posed by Senators’ defense-first mentality under Travis GreenPost-season musings by Brad Treliving probably stand on the edge of a historic moment for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Mitch Marner's future uncertain and some changes already happening at the organizational level, it would seem then the team may be in for a total redesign, one that transcends actual roster maneuvers and touches on mentality and purpose.