Toronto Maple Leafs legend Mats Sundin said it was a “dream” to rejoin the franchise he once captained, only this time in a management role.
Sundin was officially announced to the Toronto media on Monday as the new senior advisor of the franchise at an unusually chippy press conference, with John Chayka being given the role as the team’s new general manager. As part of this package deal, Chayka will have final decision-making and report to MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley, with input and support from the universally respected Sundin.
Mats Sundin Calls it a Dream to Come Home
Speaking to the media in a scrum after being introduced as the team’s new senior advisor, Sundin was asked why he took this role and moved his family to Toronto when he could have stayed in Sweden and enjoyed his retirement. For Sundin, it was all about his love for the team.
“It was actually great timing. My kids are a little older. I’ve been away from the game, watching the game from the outside, both the Toronto Maple Leafs the past 10 years, done some work with the Swedish national team, watched prospects in Europe, but also watching the whole league develop. For me, it was the perfect time to come back, having the perspective from the outside for a long time,” Sundin said.
“For me, it’s really a dream. I’m super excited. I lived it here with the Toronto Maple Leafs for 13 years, captain for 11 years. I understand what the team means for the city. The fanbase in Toronto is unique. There’s no better in the world. To get a chance to represent the Maple Leafs organization and also the fanbase, and try to do the best we can and work hard for them, is something I really cherish. So I’m really looking forward to it.”
Mats Sundin is an All-Time Maple Leafs Legend
Sundin first joined the Maple Leafs in a trade in 1994 that sent Wendel Clark to the Quebec Nordiques. He ended up playing 13 years in the blue and white, captaining the team for 11 of those years. He is the franchise’s all-time points leader with 987 points, and one of the most beloved players of all time from a fan perspective, as he always gave his all on the ice. He will immediately bring back respect to a Maple Leafs franchise that hit an all-time low this season.
Now 55, Sundin has been living in Sweden since he retired in 2009. He has been involved in team building with the Swedish national hockey team, but otherwise, he has no experience as far as managing a team at the NHL level. Still, the challenge of returning to the Maple Leafs in this management role appealed to him. He wants to be part of the solution in turning around this historic franchise and making them contenders again after being the laughingstock of the league this season, as the team finished with the fifth-worst record in hockey this season after nine straight playoff appearances. With Sundin and Chayka in tow, the Leafs are optimistic they have the right team in place to lead this team back to respectability and a Stanley Cup championship.
Mats Sundin Calls it A ‘Dream’ to Join Leafs’ Front Office