Another Former Maple Leafs Great Could Join Potential Hire Mats Sundin in New Hockey Dept.

We heard the news last week that the Toronto Maple Leafs are considering bringing former franchise icon Mats Sundin back into the fold in a front office advisory role of some kind.

Now comes word on Monday that another former Leafs great could be brought back as well for another important off-ice role.

According to insider Darren Dreger, speaking on TSN's First Up, Gary Roberts is being eyed for a position with the new-look Leafs.

Mats Sundin, Mike Gillis... Gary Roberts?

This morning on #FirstUp, @DarrenDreger shared the latest on the #LeafsForever GM search and some new names that have come up in the search.

Listen to Dreger's full interview HERE: https://t.co/WYLvnKubda pic.twitter.com/wmQdttBccR
— First Up (@FirstUp1050) April 20, 2026

"I think (MLSE CEO Keith) Pelley and Co. are going to continue down this road of former players, highly recognized players. I've heard that Gary Roberts, who's done some terrific work around the National Hockey League... his development of the sports science platform, the continuation training for some of these top NHL stars. I mean, why wouldn't you have a conversation with a local guy like Gary Roberts?

The Toronto-born former Maple Leaf (2000-2004) and 21-year NHL veteran, is a fitness trainer who runs the Gary Roberts High Performance Centre just north of Toronto. He offers elite personal training and athlete development for both junior and professional hockey players with "a combination of cutting-edge strength and conditioning with a personalized nutritional program."

Having that at the Leafs players' disposal could be invaluable in not only keeping them healthier, but just generally in bringing that "change in DNA" and culture that former GM Brad Treliving called for a year ago (but never made happen).

Roberts was a no-nonsense guy when he played (as his 2,560 penalty minutes will attest), and he's the same as a top elite performance trainer. His clients have included Connor McDavid, Steven Stamkos and a host of other high-level hockey players and other athletes.

With the most lasting memory of this lost Leafs season being the way the team watched and did nothing as their captain, Auston Matthews, was chopped down and lost for the season, you can be pretty sure that kind of thing won't be happening if Gary Roberts' influence is around the team.

This is certainly something to keep an eye on, along with a potential Sundin hire.