If you are worried about the lack of experience among the Maple Leafs' group of finalists to be the next general manager, do not be. Having prior firsthand knowledge of what it takes to run an NHL team from the GM chair is not a mandatory requirement for winning the Stanley Cup.
Recent Champions Without Previous GM Experience
Not since 2019, when the St. Louis Blues won the Cup with Doug Armstrong in charge, has a team hoisted the trophy with a GM who had previously run another NHL team. Armstrong had cut his teeth as an NHL GM with the Dallas Stars from 2002 to 2007 before moving to St. Louis in 2008.
When the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Cup in 2020, GM Julien BriseBois did not have previous experience as an NHL GM. The same applied in 2022 when Joe Sakic guided the Colorado Avalanche to a Cup win, and in 2023 when GM Kelly McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights won. Again in 2024, GM Bill Zito and the Florida Panthers won their first of back-to-back Cup titles.
The Leafs' Finalists
If one of Scott White, Evan Gold, or Ryan Martin becomes the next GM of the Leafs, each will do so having never held the job at the NHL level. Only John Chayka, also believed to be among the finalists, has that experience, having been GM of the Arizona Coyotes from 2016 to 2020.
If Mike Gillis were hired as president of hockey operations, his previous experience as GM of the Vancouver Canucks would be beneficial in guiding the new GM.
Challenges Await the New GM
No matter who becomes the next Leafs GM, the challenges regarding the roster will be the same. The first task will be to determine how to retool rather than rebuild, as desired by MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley.
Conversations with Auston Matthews
The biggest takeaway from the Leafs' final availability was captain Auston Matthews' wish to better understand the team's future before making declarations about his own. Matthews has two years remaining on his contract before he can hit the open market in 2028, the same summer Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid becomes eligible for free agency.
What if the new GM says all the right things but fails to follow through or achieve success? Will Matthews try to expedite a departure from Toronto? Matthews has not been the same player in two seasons under coach Craig Berube as he was under Sheldon Keefe.
Roster Decisions
The new GM will also need to speak with William Nylander, who has six years remaining on his eight-year contract. Regarding player departures, only two players—winger Calle Jarnkrok and defenceman Troy Stecher—are eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. On the blue line, three defencemen—Brandon Carlo, Simon Benoit, and Philippe Myers—will be unrestricted in a year. The situation involving Morgan Rielly and his no-movement clause will be a focal point.
The biggest free agent available will be Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Darren Raddysh, coming off a career year of 22 goals and 70 points. With a thin group of defensemen available, he will be coveted across the NHL. The Leafs may also pursue Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch, but they will face competition.
Eight Leafs forwards are signed through at least the next two seasons. Trade speculation regarding Matthew Knies will continue until the new GM provides clarity on his future.
Patience is Key
BriseBois was named Lightning GM in 2018 and won the Cup two years later. Sakic took over in Colorado in 2014 and won eight years later. McCrimmon won four years after being named Vegas GM in 2019, and Zito won four years after being named Panthers GM in 2020. No matter how the Leafs' GM situation settles, patience will be crucial. A Cup win will certainly not happen overnight, but the lack of experience of the new guy will not necessarily be a hindrance on that path.
