The Toronto Maple Leafs, after a long search process, have decided on their new front office. Former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka has been hired as the new Leafs GM. Furthermore, Mats Sundin has been hired as the Senior Executive Advisor of Hockey Operations. The Maple Leafs will hold a press conference on Monday to discuss the new changes.
Credit Image: © Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune via ZUMA Press Wire
We have named John Chayka the General Manager and Mats Sundin as Senior Executive Advisor, Hockey Operations
Details » https://t.co/25X9aFsYlc pic.twitter.com/vJgSQZoYy9
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 3, 2026
Chayka and Sundin the Newest Members of the Leafs’ Front Office
John Chayka has had an interesting career so far. He was the youngest general manager in North American sports history when he became the GM of the Arizona Coyotes in 2016. He abruptly resigned from the position in July of 2020 before the Stanley Cup Playoffs that year. Furthermore, he was banned from NHL work by commissioner Gary Bettman for the 2021 calendar year, the reason being “conduct detrimental to the league and game“. Bettman also ruled that Chayka had “breached his obligation to the club” by pursuing opportunities with other clubs while still under contract with the Arizona Coyotes, then terminating his contract with three years still remaining. Chayka also held a private draft scouting combine, which was forbidden by NHL standards. The Coyotes had to forfeit multiple draft picks due to this matter.
Prior to joining the Coyotes, he was also the co-founder of analytics company Stathletes. Hockey clubs continue to use it as an analytics tool even today.
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment president Keith Pelley has said the new GM would decide the fate of head coach Craig Berube. Pelley has also mentioned that he would prefer a retool over a rebuild this summer. Now, these decisions will be in Chayka’s hands.
Former Leafs Captain Joins as a Senior Advisor
Mats Sundin played 13 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and captained the team for 11 of those seasons. His name is all over Leafs history, as he leads the franchise in points with 987 (420 goals, 567 assists). He was a very consistent point producer, recording 70 points or more in every full season he played with Toronto, outside of his rookie campaign.
During his tenure with the Leafs, the home of very intense hockey media, he was heavily scrutinized, especially because he was a private individual. He regularly deflected questions asking about his personal life, and rarely spoke negatively of his teammates in public.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
