Martone Close to Flyers Debut as Maple Leafs Fire GM Treliving

Former Michigan State star could make NHL bow as Toronto parts ways with executive after missing playoffs

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:37am

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Former Michigan State Spartan Porter Martone is set to make his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers as soon as Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs have parted ways with general manager Brad Treliving after the team missed the playoffs this season.

Why it matters

Martone's NHL debut will be closely watched as the Flyers make a late-season playoff push, while the Maple Leafs' decision to part with Treliving signals a major shakeup for the underperforming franchise.

The details

Martone signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Flyers on Sunday, one day after his college season ended with Michigan State's loss in the NCAA Tournament. The 22-year-old forward is expected to provide a physical presence and scoring touch as Philadelphia battles for a wild-card spot. In Toronto, Treliving is out after nearly three years as GM, with the Leafs falling out of playoff contention this season despite making the postseason the previous two years.

  • Martone signed with the Flyers on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • Martone could make his NHL debut on Tuesday, April 1, 2026 when the Flyers face the Capitals.
  • The Maple Leafs announced Treliving's departure on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Porter Martone

A 22-year-old forward who recently signed an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers after completing his college career at Michigan State University.

Brad Treliving

The former general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who was let go by the organization after nearly three years in the role.

Rick Tocchet

The head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, who is excited about the addition of Martone to the team's lineup.

Keith Pelley

The president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, who announced the decision to part ways with Treliving.

Anthony Mantha

A former Detroit Red Wings player who scored twice and added an assist in the Pittsburgh Penguins' comeback win over the New York Islanders.

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What they’re saying

“We had expectations there at Michigan State to go on a deep run and hopefully make the Frozen Four. I loved our game and it was an unfortunate loss to Wisconsin... but when I woke up the morning, it was kind of you get thinking to what's the next step.”

— Porter Martone, Flyers Prospect

“Just the way he plays the game, having a guy like that in our lineup. I'm not going to put the tag on him, but somebody's talking about, like, a Corey Perry type of guy. Those are hard to find, so excited to have a guy like that.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers Head Coach

“Throughout the course of this season, there has been deep analysis into both the current state of the Maple Leafs organization and the direction needed to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering a Stanley Cup championship to the city.”

— Keith Pelley, Maple Leafs President and CEO

What’s next

The Flyers will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Martone to make his NHL debut against the Capitals.

The takeaway

Martone's potential NHL debut with the Flyers represents an exciting opportunity for the young forward, while the Maple Leafs' decision to part ways with Treliving signals a major organizational shift as the team looks to get back on track and end its Stanley Cup drought.