Maple Leafs hire John Chayka as GM, bring back Mats Sundin as adviser
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named John Chayka as their new general manager. Alongside him, former captain Mats Sundin will return to the organisation as a senior executive adviser. Both will be formally introduced to the media on Monday afternoon. Chayka’s career in hockey began with analytics. In 2009, he co-founded Stathletes, a company specialising in statistical and video analysis of players. His NHL front-office experience started in 2015 when he joined the Arizona Coyotes as assistant GM. A year later, he took over as general manager.
His time in Arizona ended in 2020 after reports surfaced of him interviewing for other jobs without permission. He also faced criticism for hosting private scouting combines. Since leaving the Coyotes, Chayka has managed his family’s business, which includes 12 Wendy’s franchises.
Sundin, meanwhile, spent 13 seasons in Toronto, serving as captain for 10 of them. He remains the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. After retiring in 2009, he stayed largely out of hockey until now.
The new leadership will focus on returning the team to the playoffs by the 2026-27 season. With stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander already in place, the pressure to deliver results will be immediate. Chayka and Sundin bring a mix of analytical expertise and deep franchise history to the role. Their first task will be guiding a talented roster back into postseason contention. The media introduction on Monday will mark the official start of their tenure.
