Maple Leafs Hire Agent to Lead GM Search, Raising Conflict of Interest Concerns

Controversial move could see Panthers exec Sunny Mehta land top job in Toronto

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey scene, with sharp planes of navy blue, red, and white overlapping to create a sense of motion and energy on the ice.The Maple Leafs' controversial GM search process raises questions about the influence of agents and potential conflicts of interest in the NHL.Philadelphia Today

The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired agent Neil Glasberg to lead their search for a new general manager, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Glasberg's client Sunny Mehta, the assistant GM of the Florida Panthers, is seen as a top candidate for the Leafs' top hockey operations role. Critics argue Glasberg could steer the hiring process to benefit his own clients.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs are at a critical juncture, with star player Auston Matthews potentially on the trade block and the team struggling. Hiring the right hockey executive is crucial, but the involvement of an agent like Glasberg who represents potential candidates has sparked controversy and skepticism across the NHL.

The details

The Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving amid a disappointing 2025-26 season and are also expected to part ways with head coach Craig Berube. Glasberg, who represents Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta, has been retained by the Leafs to oversee the search for a new head of hockey operations. This has raised concerns from NHL insiders and executives about potential conflicts of interest, with one suggesting Glasberg could try to install his own clients in key roles in Toronto.

  • The Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving in April 2026.
  • The Leafs are expected to part ways with head coach Craig Berube at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Neil Glasberg

An agent who has been hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs to lead their search for a new general manager.

Sunny Mehta

The assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers, who is a client of agent Neil Glasberg and is seen as a top candidate for the Maple Leafs' top hockey operations role.

Auston Matthews

The star player of the Toronto Maple Leafs who has been the subject of trade rumors amid the team's struggles.

Brad Treliving

The former general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs who was fired in April 2026.

Craig Berube

The current head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs who is expected to be fired at the end of the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“How could there not be a conflict of interest? This guy has skin in the game on who gets hired where, either directly or indirectly. Let's say a person gets hired who isn't a Glasberg client. Will he be pressured at some point to hire one of his guys?”

— Anonymous coach

“1. Get paid to run search. 2. Search hires your client as GM (get paid again) 3. Client hires another client as HC (get paid again). The only question is if Neil can hit a superfecta: search, client as president, client as GM, and client as head coach.”

— Anonymous NHL executive

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will continue their search for a new general manager, with Sunny Mehta of the Florida Panthers seen as a top candidate due to his ties to agent Neil Glasberg. The team's future direction, including the potential trade of star player Auston Matthews, will hinge on who is hired as the new head of hockey operations.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' decision to hire an agent to lead their GM search has raised serious concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for Glasberg to steer the process to benefit his own clients. This controversial move could have major implications for the team's future, both in terms of personnel decisions and the public perception of the organization.