Maple Leafs News: 3 Major Takeaways From Chayka Media Availability: McKenna, Matthews, Coaching Search
New Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka met with the media at the NHL Scouting Combine on Friday and addressed a few pressing issues around his club.
The focus of the media questions centered around three key issues, including the first overall pick in the NHL Draft, the status of Auston Matthews' commitment to the club, and the search for a new head coach. Let's break down the three major takeaways from Chayka's revelations:
1. What are Chayka's plans for the No. 1 overall pick in this month's Draft?
The most likely scenario is that the Leafs will keep their pick—and draft "the best available player."
"The probability is we take the pick."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 5, 2026
John Chayka reveals that the Leafs are more likely to use the No. 1 overall pick at the NHL Draft than to trade it. pic.twitter.com/EW1oYYP7GX
“The probability is we take the pick. Everything’s for sale at the right price, but today nothing compelling that we’re seriously considering.”
And while Chayka said there are "5 or 6 players" that could be worthy of going No. 1, he's certainly spent a lot of time with presumptive top pick Gavin McKenna.
The Leafs GM had an extensive visit with McKenna in his hometown of Whitehorse in the Yukon.
"Gavin is a really nice young man. Really quality family. Spent some quality time with him, got to know him. He’s a small-town kid."
McKenna also spoke highly of Chayka. "I got to meet with him and had a really good conversation with him."
2. How does Auston Matthews feel about his future as a Maple Leaf?
Chayka sounds pretty confident about Matthews' commitment to Toronto.
🚨 Maple Leafs GM John Chayka says 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗳𝘀 and remain aligned with the team’s… pic.twitter.com/QWU8ynN1Tq
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) June 5, 2026
“We’ve had several conversations with him (Auston) and his representatives," said Chayka. "What I saw was a happy captain. Someone who’s got a lot of pride to be the captain of the Leafs. Someone who wants to win in Toronto, which aligns with how we’re thinking about it.”
3. The Leafs coaching search
Chayka said they've talked with 55 people about the head coaching job (!!). He says they're doing their due diligence and they're obviously not rushing it.
“We’re not as focused on some artificial timeline. We’re really focused on conviction. I think it’s been a long time since there’s been a full search for this organization. This is the next leader of the Toronto Maple Leafs. We’ve gone through a very thorough process.”
That's an understatement.
Two names that we know are rising through the ranks are Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette.
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