The Toronto Maple Leafs have a new leadership team.
This Original Six franchise looked to both its past and future on Sunday, appointing former captain Mats Sundin as senior executive adviser of hockey operations and John Chayka as general manager.
These changes represent a fresh start for the club’s front office after they missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016.
The organization states that Sundin will assist in various areas of hockey operations, emphasizing team culture, player development, and support for leadership.
“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 release. “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.”
WATCH | Maple Leafs revamp front office with the hirings of Sundin, Chayka:
Maple Leafs hire Mats Sundin, former Coyotes GM John Chayka to lead front office
The Toronto Maple Leafs made significant changes on Sunday by hiring John Chayka as their general manager and bringing on Mats Sundin as a senior executive advisor. This decision follows a disappointing season where they failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in ten years.
Toronto let go of GM Brad Treliving in March towards the end of a tough campaign during which expectations were high as they started off among Stanley Cup favorites back in September.
The club has also not appointed anyone to replace president Brendan Shanahan after he was dismissed in May 2025.
Sundin and Chayka join an organization still looking for its first Stanley Cup since 1967.
A news conference is set for Monday afternoon.
P Toronto must also consider how it wishes move ahead – whether or not last year’s struggles mark just an anomaly or signify closing championship window – particularly concerning roster core featuring captain Auston Matthews locked down another two years before potentially hitting unrestricted free agency come summer ‘28.<P<P<The Maple Leafs don't possess many high-end prospects currently available due prior failed attempts throughout previous trade deadlines while keeping close tabs onto NHL draft lottery outcomes following ending result ranking fifth worst record overall
P<P<If any non-playoff teams below them succeed through odds winning lottery pick would drop them outside top-five range forfeiting selection toward Boston Bruins stemming deal made acquiring defenseman Brandon Carlo past spring.
P<P<Sundin recently wrapped up publication titled "Home And Away", sharing thoughts about connection shared between himself & city saying
P
Maple Leafs hire Mats Sundin, former Coyotes GM John Chayka to lead front office
The Toronto Maple Leafs made significant changes on Sunday by hiring John Chayka as their general manager and bringing on Mats Sundin as a senior executive advisor. This decision follows a disappointing season where they failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in ten years.
Toronto let go of GM Brad Treliving in March towards the end of a tough campaign during which expectations were high as they started off among Stanley Cup favorites back in September.
The club has also not appointed anyone to replace president Brendan Shanahan after he was dismissed in May 2025.
Sundin and Chayka join an organization still looking for its first Stanley Cup since 1967.
A news conference is set for Monday afternoon.
Fan favorite
Sundin holds records for most points and game-winning goals in Maple Leafs history. His exit from Toronto was complicated back in 2008 before he had a brief period with the Vancouver Canucks, but he’s remained a fan favorite from his 13 seasons with the team. The 55-year-old Swede entered into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012. After retiring, he returned home to raise his family but hasn’t held an official management role within hockey until now. Keith Pelley, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, mentioned that they wanted a “data-centric” approach moving forward in their hockey operations department during a press conference following Treliving’s exit. “They have to really understand data and the importance of data and where data is moving,” Pelley explained at that time. This is likely where Chayka fits into their plans.</P The now-36-year-old became the youngest general manager in NHL history when he took over at Arizona Coyotes ten years ago. His tenure there was marked by bold trades along with an emphasis on analytics.</P “I’m honoured to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization,” Chayka stated in a release. “This is one of hockey’s most historic franchises, with a passionate fan base who want to win.”</P “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.”</PChayka received 1-year ban in 2021
P Chayka suddenly resigned back in July 2020 just before league play resumed due to COVID-19. In 2021 commissioner Gary Bettman suspended him for one year due to “conduct detrimental to league operations” after seeking other job opportunities while still employed by Arizona.<P Arizona was also penalized by losing first- and second-round draft picks because they conducted unauthorized workouts with draft prospects under his watch which violated league scouting combine rules.<P Since then, Chayka hasn’t worked within NHL circles again.Future of head coach Berube
P A top priority for this new leadership group will be deciding what comes next regarding head coach Craig Berube.<P<P<The Stanley Cup winner from St. Louis Blues back in 2019 helped guide Toronto through round two during their playoff run last season but seemed lost toward season’s end when defensive struggles plagued them leading them among teams giving up most goals across all leagues.P Toronto must also consider how it wishes move ahead – whether or not last year’s struggles mark just an anomaly or signify closing championship window – particularly concerning roster core featuring captain Auston Matthews locked down another two years before potentially hitting unrestricted free agency come summer ‘28.<P<P<The Maple Leafs don't possess many high-end prospects currently available due prior failed attempts throughout previous trade deadlines while keeping close tabs onto NHL draft lottery outcomes following ending result ranking fifth worst record overall
P<P<If any non-playoff teams below them succeed through odds winning lottery pick would drop them outside top-five range forfeiting selection toward Boston Bruins stemming deal made acquiring defenseman Brandon Carlo past spring.
P<P<Sundin recently wrapped up publication titled "Home And Away", sharing thoughts about connection shared between himself & city saying
P
“For guy wore [No.13] his back entire career , i felt – am- incredibly fortunate”. He continued stating “I collected so many memories along way , list too long folks guided supported me teammates honored sit next beside bench. It truly wonderful ride fifteen years later post departure ways maple leafs , got beautiful family place call home“One here Sweden , other across ocean toronto”.
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