Mats Sundin is expected to be hired as vice president of hockey operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This announcement comes as the team looks to rebuild after a disappointing season.
Sundin has never held an NHL front-office role previously. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in points and game-winning goals. Over 13 seasons from 1994 to 2008, he played 981 games for the Maple Leafs.
As of midday, John Chayka is also expected to be hired as general manager of the team. Chayka was the youngest GM in NHL history at just 26 years old when he took over the Coyotes in 2016. He led them to one playoff berth in four seasons before resigning in 2020.
The Maple Leafs finished fifth-to-last in the NHL standings after firing general manager Brad Treliving in March. This new management duo aims to turn around the team’s fortunes.
Max Domi, who has two seasons left on his contract at $3.7 million AAV, is likely to stay with the Maple Leafs if Sundin takes on the VP role. Their connection runs deep—Sundin and Tie Domi were teammates and best friends during their time with the franchise.
Max Domi expressed his admiration for Sundin, saying, “He means everything to me, man.” He added, “He’s just one of the best, if not the best Maple Leafs of all time, and he earned it all.” This sentiment reflects Sundin’s enduring legacy among fans and players alike.
Steve Simmons remarked that while “Sundin makes us happy,” there remains a level of uncertainty regarding Chayka’s appointment. The dynamics within this new leadership structure will be closely monitored by fans and analysts.
With both Sundin and Chayka stepping into these pivotal roles, fans are eager to see how this will impact star players like Auston Matthews moving forward.