Hockey

Maple Leafs Set to Announce Sundin and Chayka as New Management Team

by
James Thornton
May 3, 2026

The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to make a significant announcement regarding their management team, with a press conference scheduled for Monday. According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, the franchise plans to reveal the hiring of Mats Sundin and John Chayka to lead the organization.

This anticipated press conference will likely put an end to weeks of speculation surrounding Sundin and Chayka as the leading candidates for key positions within the team. Reports suggest that Sundin will assume the role of vice president of hockey operations, while Chayka is set to take on the responsibilities of general manager.

Sundin, a Hall of Famer and former captain of the Maple Leafs, has not held a management position in the NHL since his retirement in 2009. However, he has remained closely connected to the team, having attended training camp in the fall of 2024 and returning to Toronto in January to witness Auston Matthews break his franchise goals record.

Chayka, on the other hand, has been out of the NHL since his tenure as general manager of the Arizona Coyotes, which lasted from 2016 to 2020. His return to the league as part of the Maple Leafs’ management marks a new chapter in his career.

In addition to Sundin and Chayka, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Maple Leafs sought permission to speak with Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, but were denied as the Lightning remain in the playoffs, facing a crucial Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night.

If the press conference takes place as planned, it will occur just one day before the NHL’s Draft Lottery, where Toronto holds the fifth-best odds of securing the first overall pick at 8.5 percent. However, if their pick falls outside the top five, the Boston Bruins will receive the selection due to conditions tied to the trade that brought Brandon Carlo to Toronto at the March 2025 trade deadline.

As the Maple Leafs prepare for this pivotal moment, it remains unclear what other organizational changes may be on the horizon beyond the hirings of Sundin and Chayka.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

James Thornton

James Thornton brings over a decade of sports journalism experience to 21Sports.com. Known for his razor-sharp analysis and passion for the game, James has covered everything from Super Bowls to the Olympics. His deep knowledge of football and ability to break down complex strategies make his articles a must-read for any sports fan. Off the field, James is an avid golfer who enjoys exploring new courses on the weekends.