Maple Leafs New Management Team All But A Done Deal
As it stands right now, I'm under the impression it's gonna be Mats Sundin and John 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.
Sundin, the Maple Leafs legend, is being brought to Toronto, Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast, to have a much bigger role than anyone originally imagined.
"I don't think it's a small role. I don't think he's coming here to kiss babies and shake hands. I think they're really hoping he can have an active role in shaping the future of the team."
Sundin to have big role in 'restoring hope' to Maple Leafs fans
And the reason for bringing the Hockey Hall of Famer back to Toronto is simple, Friedman adds:
"They feel the pride of the team got damaged last year. The team didn't have the esprit de corps that you want to have. And I think they're hoping that by bringing Sundin back in and somebody who cares about the Maple Leafs as much as he does, he can at least restore some of that and hope it helps to be a part of what can make them successful."
As for Chayka, who would most likely take on the main day-to-day role of general manager's duties, he made NHL history when he became the youngest GM ever, taking the reins of the Arizona Coyotes when he was just 26. That was 10 years ago. It sounds like he's ready to get back into the game, in a big way, in taking the pressure-packed Toronto job.
Again, nothing is official yet, but if The Friedge is putting this out there, there's a strong likelihood that the Sundin-Chayka duo will make up the new Leafs front office.
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