Finally, clarity:
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced their new hockey leadership Sunday afternoon, with a media conference scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m. ET.
The Maple Leafs have hired Mats Sundin, who returns to the organization as Senior Executive Advisor, Hockey Operations. It’s a full-time commitment; he and his family are moving to Toronto.
John Chayka is the new general manager, and no other additions or changes are planned.
“Today is an important day for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization,” Maple Leafs Sports and 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-calibre team for our fans and our city and today is an important step towards that goal.”
One of the big questions is structure: How is this going to work? No doubt more will be explained when they meet with the media, but, as I understand it, the goal is for Sundin and Chayka to present a united front in making decisions. We’re also going to learn more about their history, as, apparently, they first met at the 2012 Memorial Cup. (I asked around on the weekend, there are no plans for Tie Domi to join the organization.)
Ultimately, however, there must be someone who has the final say and reports directly to Pelley. That is Chayka. The position the organization advertised in its interview process was “head of hockey operations,” and that’s what Chayka will be.
We’ll learn more on Monday, but Sundin/Chayka is the new duo at the top of the Maple Leafs’ mountain.
“I’m honoured to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization,” said Chayka 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.”
“This fan base deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that,” said Sundin 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.”
