According to a report from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are targeting legendary former captain Mats Sundin and ex-Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka to lead their front office.
On his 32 Thoughts podcast Wednesday, Friedman said Sundin is expected to become vice-president of hockey operations, while Chayka would take over as general manager. The GM position has been vacant since Brad Treliving was fired on March 30, following a disastrous 2025-26 season that saw the Leafs miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Friedman stated, "I'm under the impression it's going to be Sundin and Chayka, and they just have to close the deal. Nothing is done until it's done, but that's what I believe is going on." He noted that other finalist Scott White remains a possibility if Sundin declines the role.
The organization hopes hiring Sundin, 55, will restore pride after a challenging season. The former Leafs captain and franchise scoring leader, who resides in Sweden, has frequently visited Toronto and expressed his enduring love for the team.
Chayka, 36, would become the 19th GM in Leafs history, his first NHL job since resigning from the Coyotes in 2020. He was suspended by the NHL in early 2021 for conduct detrimental to the league, and Arizona lost draft picks for scouting combine violations under his watch.
More details to follow as the situation develops.
