Finally, clarity:
Multiple sources indicate the Maple Leafs are expected to announce their new hockey leadership later this afternoon, with a media conference on Monday.
The Maple Leafs will announce they’ve hired Mats Sundin, who returns to the organization as Senior Executive Advisor, Hockey Operations. It’s a full-time commitment; he and his family are moving to Toronto.
John Chayka is the new general manager.
No other additions or changes are planned for Monday.
One of the big questions is structure: How is this going to work? No doubt more will be explained when they meet with the media, but, as I understand it, the goal is for Sundin and Chayka to present a united front in making decisions. We’re also going to learn more about their history, as, apparently, they first met at the 2012 Memorial Cup. (I asked around on the weekend, there are no plans for Tie Domi to join the organization.)
Ultimately, however, there must be someone who has the final say and reports directly to MSLE President & CEO Keith Pelley. That is Chayka. The position the organization advertised in its interview process was “head of hockey operations,” and that’s what Chayka will be.
We’ll learn more on Monday, but Sundin/Chayka is the new duo at the top of the Maple Leafs’ mountain.
