New Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka issued his first statement since being named GM of the storied franchise.
Following a long and exhaustive search for the team’s new management team, the Maple Leafs officially announced on Sunday that Chayka is the team’s new GM and franchise legend Mats Sundin will be a senior advisor. A press conference will be held on Monday afternoon in Toronto to officially welcome both men to their posts.
With Chayka now officially being hired as the new GM, he issued his first statement to the fanbase since taking over his new role.
“I’m honoured to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization. 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,” Chayka said.
The 36-year-old Chayka was previously the GM of the Arizona Coyotes from 2016 to 2020. He now joins the Maple Leafs as their GM, with Sundin providing support as a senior advisor.
One of the first analytics-based GMs in NHL history, Chayka fits perfectly what the organization was looking for as far as a numbers-based executive. However, there are still obvious question marks surrounding him, given his shaky past in the desert with the Coyotes. Still, the Maple Leafs clearly loved what he pitched during interviews and gave him a long-term deal to lead the club.
Mats Sundin Makes First Comments Since Returning to Maple Leafs
Sundin, the franchise leader in points for the Maple Leafs and one of the greatest hockey players of all time, also made his first comments since being named to the team’s management team.
“This fan base deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that. 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,” Sundin said.
The 55-year-old Sundin has never been in an NHL management role, and he has been living in his native Sweden since he retired from hockey. However, he knows the game as well as anyone on the planet, and he will bring a highly respected voice to the Maple Leafs’ leadership group.
Keith Pelley Explains Why He Hired John Chayka and Mats Sundin.
MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley also released his first statements since making these important hires for the Maple Leafs, explaining why he chose to enlist Chayka and Sundin.
“Today is an important day for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. 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-calibre team for our fans and our city and today is an important step towards that goal,” Pelley said.
Maple Leafs fans on social media have been quick to question the hires, given how Chayka’s last job in Arizona didn’t go well, and considering Sundin has no management experience in the NHL. But the Maple Leafs were wowed by both men during their search for the team’s new leadership group, and Pelley and co. are hoping that Maple Leafs fans give the two men a chance to help turn the franchise around.
John Chayka Issues First Statement After Being Named GM of Maple Leafs