The NHL is in a full roster freeze until after Boxing Day, but Leafs GM Brad Treliving found a loophole he used to call up Matt Murray, who is likely to play today. NHL GMs are always in a bind to make the most of every dollar, roster spot, and player's potential, but the league's complex rules don't make it easy. Despite such obstacles, smart executives like Brad Treliving find ways to work their way around the system and, when needed, exploit loopholes, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/leafs-call-up-goaltender-as-craig-berube-provides-an-update-on-injured-leafs-anthony-stolarz' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>such as was the case with the recent goaltending call-up</a>. When the NHL says freeze, Brad Treliving heats things up. Notorious for finding his way around restrictive league rules, he's done it again with a strategic move to work around roster constraints during the NHL's holiday roster freeze. This time, Treliving was able to send Dennis Hildeby to the AHL and recall Matt <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/matt-murray-to-take-over-for-the-maple-leafs-craig-berube-reveals-all-the-details' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Murray, even with the Dec. 19-28 freeze in effect</a>. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1870135166498230610'> </a></blockquote></div> It also appears that this strategic maneuvering will allow Matt <a href='https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/matt-murray-finally-gets-another-shot-with-maple-leafs/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Murray to start the game tonight</a>, as reported by The Sun's Lance Hornby. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/sunhornby/status/1870159292801716513'> </a></blockquote></div> According to the rules, players on an NHL roster, injured reserve, or certain non-roster statuses can only be moved under exceptions outlined in CBA Article 16.5(d). Notwithstanding Section 16.5(d)(i), a player on emergency recall may be loaned during the roster freeze period and a player who was recalled after December 11 may be loaned through 11:59 p.m. local time on December 23 provided such player is not required to be placed on waivers during the roster freeze period in order to effectuate such loan. Thanks to Dennis Hildeby's emergency call-up due to Anthony Stolarz's injury, he qualified for a loan back within the allowed timeframe. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1869064214092132763'> </a></blockquote></div> The sharp maneuvering will keep the Maple Leafs in a position to navigate their roster effectively as they prepare for the challenges that come next. It was a move that proves Treliving is one of the most respected GMs around the league. Moves like this, mostly unnoticed, are key to a team's success. With Matt <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/player/matt-murray-8476899' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Murray</a> strengthening the Leafs and Hildeby going back to the Marlies, it's clear that Treliving's tactical brilliance is a key asset for Toronto's front office.