Maple Leafs appoint Sundin as adviser, Chayka as GM
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- Toronto Maple Leafs hired former star player Mats Sundin as senior executive adviser for hockey operations.
- Toronto Maple Leafs appointed John Chayka as the franchise’s 19th general manager, succeeding Brad Treliving.
- Mats Sundin is a Hockey Hall of Fame center, the franchise’s all‑time leading scorer, and his advisory role is expected to have significant sway over team culture, player development, and leadership support.
- John Chayka previously served as GM of the Arizona Coyotes, was the youngest GM in major league sports history, and was suspended through 2021 for conduct detrimental to the league.
- Brad Treliving was fired after the Leafs missed the playoffs this season, extending the franchise’s longest active championship drought in the NHL.
- Maple Leafs conducted a wide search for a new GM, interviewing candidates such as Mike Gillis, Scott White, Ryan Martin, and Evan Gold, while noting that Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta was hired by the New Jersey Devils.
- Auston Matthews remains under contract through 2028 with a $13.25 million cap hit, making his role a key question for the new executives.
Why it matters: The hires give the Leafs fresh strategic direction after a playoff miss and the franchise’s longest active championship drought, while Chayka’s controversial past and Sundin’s lack of front‑office experience raise questions about the new leadership’s ability to reshape team culture and performance.
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