Leafs looking at Chayka, Sundin combo — The Fourth Period
The Toronto Maple Leafs may be nearing the finish line with respect to rounding out their new figureheads atop of their hockey operations department.
As Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has reported, the Maple Leafs are exploring the possibility of hiring Mats Sundin as Executive Vice President or V.P. of Hockey Operations, and former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka as the club’s new General Manager.
“As it stands right now, I’m under the impression it’s gonna 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,” Friedman said on today’s edition of his ‘32 Thoughts’ podcast.
Dallas Stars Assistant GM Scott White and former Los Angeles Kings AGM Mike Futa are the other two finalists for the GM post, however as TFP’s David Pagnotta reported, Futa was informed this week the Leafs were going in another direction at the GM level.
“If Sundin does get the job, I think it’s gonna be Chayka. Now if something happens here and it doesn’t occur, I don’t know where this is all gonna go. I don’t know what the backup plan is,” Friedman added.
According to Pagnotta, if Chayka joins the Maple Leafs front office, Shane Doan may be on the outs.
Doan, who is currently the Special Advisor to the GM in Toronto, is also in the running for the GM position with the Vancouver Canucks, but his past relationship with Chayka is believed to be a sour one and that may lead to his departure.
The Leafs are believed to be finalizing contracts with Chayka and Sundin this week and a formal announcement could soon follow.
