In Manalapan, Florida, as the Toronto Maple Leafs approached the All-Star break securing a wild-card position, first-year general manager Brad Treliving chose to reflect on past seasons for perspective.

What he uncovered might have been seen as ominous: The slender six-point margin they held above the postseason cutoff line was notably the smallest any Leafs team had possessed in the previous five years at a similar juncture.

However, Treliving perceived the situation differently.

He remarked, “I said, ‘This is perfect, guys,'” emphasizing that in recent years, the post-All-Star break certainty of playoff qualification had become routine, leaving only the question of home-ice advantage. He believed this shift refocused the team’s efforts, enhancing their performance since the All-Star break.

Now, with an impressive 15-5-1 record leading up to Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia, the Leafs find themselves in a more favorable position. Unless faced with a dramatic surge or unforeseen collapse by teams above them, they are likely to secure third place in the Atlantic Division. However, their playoff opponent and starting venue remain uncertain.

Despite this, Treliving believes the team has much at stake in the upcoming games and credits their improved performance to overcoming early-season challenges, including lineup inconsistencies and defensive struggles.

Looking ahead, Treliving feels optimistic about the team’s trajectory. He highlights their defensive prowess since December and the resurgence of confidence among the forwards as key factors contributing to their success.

This newfound stability has buoyed Treliving’s confidence in the Leafs’ prospects. He took time during the NHL GMs meetings to discuss the team’s progress through 66 games, expressing encouragement about their current standing and future prospects.