Brad Treliving has been appointed to Hockey Canada's leadership group for the 2026 IIHF World Championship, co-leading with Jason Spezza, while Kyle Dubas supports the team. This comes shortly after Treliving was fired as GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 30.
Hockey Canada has handed fresh international roles to one current and one former NHL general manager, and both have worked with the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have named Brad Treliving to their leadership group, with Kyle Dubas in support, for the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
The announcement confirmed that Treliving will co-lead Canada’s management group alongside Jason Spezza. Dubas will support the group while continuing his duties with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The tournament will take place from May 15 to 31 in Switzerland.
Treliving’s appointment comes just weeks after his dismissal from Toronto on March 30. His tenure lasted nearly three seasons, during which the team remained competitive in the regular season but struggled late in the 2025-26 campaign. Despite that exit, he now steps into a key role on the international stage.
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Dubas, who previously served as Maple Leafs GM before moving to Pittsburgh in 2023, continues to build his resume with Hockey Canada. He has already worked multiple international events, including recent world championships and Olympic preparations. His presence brings continuity to the program.
Spezza adds a different dimension to the group. The former NHL forward is in his early years as an executive and will make his debut in an international management role. His experience as a player, including strong performances for Canada, strengthens the leadership mix.
Hockey Canada believes the blend of experience and fresh perspective will help shape a competitive roster.
Hockey Canada’s senior vice president Scott Salmond highlighted Treliving’s past success and Dubas’ recent involvement in international tournaments.
“Brad brings invaluable experience from previous international events and the NHL…,” Salmond said. “Kyle’s experience from the previous two world championships, 4 Nations Face-Off, and Olympics will provide consistency to our program, … gives us the best chance to be successful in Switzerland.”
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Canada will open the tournament against Sweden before facing teams like Slovakia and Czechia in the preliminary round. Pre-tournament games in France and Switzerland will help finalize the roster and strategy.
For Treliving, the opportunity offers a reset on a different stage. Both he and Dubas will now also help build a national team aiming for gold.
Brad Treliving has been appointed to co-lead Hockey Canada's management group for the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
Kyle Dubas is supporting Brad Treliving in the Hockey Canada leadership group while continuing his duties with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 2026 IIHF World Championship will take place from May 15 to 31 in Switzerland.
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