Maple Leafs Make Sweeping Front Office Layoffs
The new Maple Leafs took the axe to 11 longtime employees on Wednesday. Among those let go: longtime scout, Dave Morrison; director of amateur scouting, Mark Leach; assistant GM Darryl Metcalf and many from the analytics department. @koshtorontosun with more on this ...
— Steve Simmons (@simmonssteve) July 9, 2026
The analytics and scouting departments took big hits. Darryl Metcalf is getting the boot. He was known to have an analytical approach in his post of Assistant General Manager, Hockey Research & Development. Additionally, Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Leach was let go, as well as Dave Morrison, Senior Advisor, Player Personnel.
New GM John Chayka is very analytics-focused, and obviously wants to bring in his own team to oversee that part of the game.
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun reports that a source indicated three more members of the analytics department, including Director, Hockey Systems, Wesley Waldner, analyst Bruce Peter and developer Andrew Low were dismissed as well.
#Leafs GM John Chayka released a statement on the staff departures today.
— David Alter (@davidalter) July 9, 2026
“As part of our ongoing evaluation of the organization, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with some valued colleagues. These decisions were not easy and are not a reflection of the…
“As part of our ongoing evaluation of the organization, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with some valued colleagues," Chayka wrote in a statement. "These decisions were not easy and are not a reflection of the commitment of the impacted people. We are sincerely grateful for everything they have contributed to this organization and wish them nothing but the very best in the future.”
But that's not all. Hayley Wickenheiser has also announced that she has been let go after eight seasons in the organization, by releasing a statement in an Instagram post.
Hayley Wickenheiser has announced via Instagram that she will NO LONGER be a part of the Maple Leafs organization:
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) July 9, 2026
“For the past eight seasons, it has been an incredible honor to work for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Over the last few days, John Chayka and I had several discussions… pic.twitter.com/UVJmq20lXE
"Over the last few days, John Chayka and I had several discussions about my role moving forward. During those conversations, my expectation was that I would be in a position to continue to have a significant impact within the organization. However, it became clear that his leadership group envisioned a different path."
