Chayka previously served as the Coyotes’ general manager from 2016 until his resignation in 2020. His tenure was marked by a series of trades—24 in total—and a mixed record of 131 wins, 147 losses, and 38 overtime losses. However, he resigned just one day before the playoffs were set to begin in 2020, raising eyebrows.

This context matters because Chayka’s exit from Arizona was not smooth. He faced a suspension from the NHL for conduct detrimental to the league in 2021, and the Coyotes forfeited their 2020 second-round pick and 2021 first-round pick due to scouting violations. Such controversies have left many wondering about his suitability for a new leadership role.

In fact, skepticism around his hiring is widespread; a recent survey revealed that 19 out of 20 NHL contacts expressed negative opinions about it. Steve Simmons, a notable reporter, characterized Chayka’s hiring with terms like “sham” and “con artist.” So, what does this mean for the Maple Leafs?

The Maple Leafs are known for their rich history, including legends like Mats Sundin. They face immense pressure to succeed, especially after past playoff disappointments. Hiring someone with Chayka’s controversial background could be seen as a gamble.

What remains unclear is how Chayka will navigate this new opportunity. He has three years left on his contract with Toronto, and fans are eager to see how he will apply lessons learned from past mistakes. Will he manage to turn skepticism into success?

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To understand this transition, we must look at Sundin’s remarkable legacy. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in points and game-winning goals, having played 981 games for the Maple Leafs over 13 seasons from 1994 to 2008. His connection to fans runs deep—Sundin has become an even more beloved figure since leaving the team than during his playing career. This affection could translate into strong support for his new role.

But what does this mean for current players like Max Domi and Auston Matthews? Domi, who has two seasons left on his contract at $3.7 million AAV, is likely to remain with the team if Sundin takes the VP role due to their close family ties—Domi’s father was Sundin’s teammate and best friend. As Domi stated, “He means everything to me, man.” Such personal connections can foster a positive atmosphere within the locker room.

The context surrounding this appointment adds another layer of complexity. The Maple Leafs recently finished fifth-to-last in the NHL standings after firing general manager Brad Treliving in March. In light of this, bringing in someone like Sundin—who possesses deep-rooted knowledge of the franchise—could prove beneficial as they seek stability and direction.

Key appointments:

• Mats Sundin is expected to be hired as vice president of hockey operations.
• John Chayka is anticipated to be appointed as general manager.
• Chayka previously led the Coyotes to one playoff berth in four seasons before resigning in 2020.

Still, doubts linger regarding Sundin’s management capabilities. He has never held an NHL front-office role previously, which raises questions about how he will adapt to this new environment. Steve Simmons remarked, “Sundin makes us happy. Chayka makes us wonder,” highlighting that while fans may embrace Sundin’s presence, they also have reservations about Chayka’s track record.

The next steps remain uncertain as officials have not confirmed a timeline for these appointments. However, one thing is clear: Mats Sundin’s return to the Maple Leafs organization signifies a potential shift towards rebuilding trust and connection with fans and players alike.

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Currently, Mats Sundin is being evaluated for a significant front-office role with the Toronto Maple Leafs, while John Chayka is in contention for the general manager position. This move comes after the team missed the playoffs for the first time in ten years during the 2025-26 season. That context matters because it highlights the urgency for change within the organization.

Sundin, who played 981 games over 13 seasons with the Maple Leafs from 1994 to 2008, is not just a former player; he is also the franchise’s all-time leader in points and game-winning goals. Yet, he has never held an NHL front-office position before. This could be a bold step into uncharted territory for him.

On the other hand, John Chayka—at just 36 years old—was once the youngest general manager in NHL history when he took over the Arizona Coyotes in 2016. His tenure included one playoff berth but ended controversially when he resigned in July 2020 and was subsequently suspended by the NHL for all of 2021. His drafting history included selecting talents like Clayton Keller and Jakob Chychrun.

Key considerations:

• The GM position for the Maple Leafs has been vacant since March 30, 2026.
• Sundin’s potential role would likely not be ceremonial; Friedman emphasized, “I don’t think he’s coming here to kiss babies and shake hands.”
• Chayka’s previous experience could bring fresh strategies to a struggling franchise.

Friedman pointed out that both leaders feel “the pride of the team got damaged last year.” If Sundin decides against taking on this new role, it raises questions about how the Maple Leafs would proceed with filling their GM position. The final decision regarding both Sundin and Chayka is still pending, adding an element of uncertainty to this evolving story.

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