The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Sunday they have selected John Chayka as their new general manager while bringing back franchise icon Mats Sundin to serve in an executive advisory capacity.
Both men will be formally presented to the media during a Monday afternoon press conference.
“Today is an important day for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization,” stated Keith Pelley, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “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.”
The 36-year-old Chayka previously served as Arizona Coyotes general manager from 2016 through 2020, becoming the NHL’s youngest GM when first appointed. The Ontario native has been absent from league operations since his sudden departure in July 2020, which later resulted in NHL disciplinary action.
League officials determined Chayka had “breached his obligation to the club” when he terminated his Arizona contract with three years left to seek employment elsewhere. The NHL subsequently penalized the Coyotes by removing two premium draft selections after discovering Chayka and the organization conducted an unauthorized private prospect evaluation session that violated league rules.
Under Chayka’s leadership, Arizona broke an eight-year postseason absence by qualifying for the playoffs during the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 campaign.
“I’m honored to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization,” Chayka stated. “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.”
The 55-year-old Sundin will come back to Toronto with the designation of senior executive adviser of hockey operations. According to the team’s announcement, Sundin will “provide support across hockey operations, with a focus on team culture, player development and leadership support.”
Sundin holds the franchise record for career points with 987, earned induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and remains beloved by supporters.
“This fan base deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that,” Sundin commented. “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.”
