Mike Futa had a shot at a full-circle moment with the Toronto Maple Leafs — but ultimately fell short in the club’s search for a new general manager.
Speaking about being interviewed for the role on The Fan Hockey Show on Wednesday, the former NHL executive said it was a positive process to be involved in.
“I was asked to interview for the Leafs general manager position … went through the process, did the Zoom call,” Futa said, noting the process stretched over several weeks before culminating in an in-person meeting. “It was very positive. Growing up a Leaf fan, it was one of the most humbling experiences to be even included.”
Futa added that he participated in a face-to-face interview that lasted a couple of hours, calling it an “awesome” experience before receiving word that the organization had decided to go in another direction.
“I got a call … just saying that respectfully, great job, we’re going in another direction,” he said. “I wish them all the best. It was an incredible process.”
The 57-year-old, who previously served as a key executive with the Los Angeles Kings for 17 seasons, helped the team capture two Stanley Cups.
Futa also said he made a conscious decision to keep his candidacy private throughout the process. He credited colleagues for respecting his wishes to keep the situation out of the public eye until the process concluded.
After a month-long search, the Maple Leafs are working towards installing a duo of Mats Sundin as vice-president of hockey operations alongside former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday's edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast.
Sundin, 55, has never held an NHL front-office role previously. Friedman reported that "it took some time and it took some convincing," but the sides are now negotiating.
The Maple Leafs icon and Hockey Hall of Famer is the franchise's all-time leader in points and game-winning goals. He played 981 games for the team over 13 seasons between 1994 and 2008.
