The Toronto Maple Leafs hired John Chayka as their next general manager and confirmed team legend Mats Sundin will join the front office in an advisory role Sunday.
The tandem will be introduced in a press conference Monday afternoon.
“Today is an important day for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization,” Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to welcome John and Mats to their roles, two great hockey minds that will strengthen our entire hockey club. From the start of this process, it’s been about building a championship-caliber team for our fans and our city and today is an important step towards that goal.”
Chayka, 36, was general manager of the Arizona Coyotes from 2016-20, the youngest GM in the NHL at the time. A native of Ontario, Chayka has not worked in the league since stepping down abruptly in July 2020 and receiving a suspension from the NHL the following year.
Chayka was found to have “breached his obligation to the club” by terminating his Coyotes’ contract with three years remaining to pursue other jobs. Later, the NHL docked two high draft picks from Arizona after learning Chayka and the club held a private scouting combine for prospects in violation of league regulations.
During his tenure with the Coyotes, they ended an eight-year playoff drought by making the postseason field during the COVID-impacted 2019-20 season.
“I’m honored to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization,” Chayka said in a statement. “This is one of hockey’s most historic franchises, with a passionate fan base who want to win. I’m focused on building a team that is competitive, driven and relentless — one that is in the best position to win for our fans and for the city of Toronto.”
Sundin, 55, will return Toronto and assume the title of senior executive adviser of hockey operations. The Maple Leafs said in their announcement that Sundin will “provide support across hockey operations, with a focus on team culture, player development and leadership support.”
Sundin is the Leafs’ all-time leader in points (987), a Hockey Hall of Famer and a fan favorite.
“This fan base deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that,” Sundin said in a statement. “My love for the Maple Leafs and the city of Toronto is an important part of who I am and who I will always be. I look forward to working closely with John as we both recognize the incredible opportunity and responsibility to win here in Toronto.”
