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Keith Pelley, MLSE President and CEO (Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)

Maple Leafs Being Questioned Over ‘Sketchy’ Search Firm Hiring

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 12:20 PM ET

Several sources have confirmed that the Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Neil Glasberg and PBI Sports to assist with their search for a new head of hockey operations. Based on the sheer importance of the hiring, the decision was already going to garner attention. However, the choice to go with Glasberg has raised questions, particularly due to the potential conflict of interest.

The news was first broken by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. He posted on X.com and then wrote a follow-up article explaining the decision, while others pointed out potential issues that could arise from the hiring. On the surface, it seems like no big deal. Glasberg and his team previously conducted NHL executive searches that landed Jim Rutherford in Vancouver, Pat Verbeek in Anaheim, and Keith Jones in Philadelphia. They have experience in these kinds of hirings.

But, if you dig deeper, it’s understandable why questions have arisen.

Is There a Conflict of Interest Here?

Fox writes, “The well-connected Glasberg declined Tuesday to provide details on the status of the Maple Leafs’ job search or which candidates are being considered, citing confidentiality.” However, several other insiders have taken to social media to fill in the pieces Glasberg arguably doesn’t want to talk about.

Among them, are any of his clients’ candidates?

Frank Seravalli pointed to a story he wrote in 2023, in which he noted that previous issues arose with the firm because it represented some of the possible candidates for coaching and executive jobs. Critics argued that Glasberg had, and still has, “skin in the game” because he could indirectly influence who gets hired, including his own clients.

After posting the link to that 2023 story, Seravalli wrote, “Further to last tweet about conflict of interest, this is the LLC shell game Glasberg plays to make everything appear above board. Reminder: We’ve already had one team terminate a search firm this spring for conflict of interest.”

He then added:

“Text message from a current NHL executive re: Leafs hiring Neil Glasberg to conduct search: “1. Get paid to run a search. 2. Search hires your client as GM (get paid again) 3. Client hires another client as HC (get paid again). The only question is if Neil can hit a superfecta: search, client as president, client as GM, and client as head coach.”

It already appears as though Glasberg could be set to double dip.

Sunny Mehta Is a Glasberg Client

Here’s where things really get interesting, if not a little sketchy. Assistant General Manager for the Florida Panthers, Sunny Mehta, is being considered a frontrunner for the GM or executive position in Toronto. He’s a Glasberg client. Maybe that’s nothing. Regardless, expect people to make a thing of it if Mehta is hired.

Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta is among Neil Glasberg's clients.

Glasberg has been retained by the #leafs to assist with their search for a head of hockey operations

(IG: pbi.sports) pic.twitter.com/7VW1C5xo4r
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 7, 2026

Fox writes that Mehta warrants consideration on his own merit. “He has an uncanny ability to digest incredible amounts of information, rapidly regurgitate them, simplify them, and then project them back out to his audience.” He’s also a data-centric kind of hire that MLSE President Keith Pelley suggested would get priority.

Still, it’s hard not to imagine Glasberg giving Mehta a lot of love throughout this process. And, if Mehta is hired, the argument is that Glasberg gets paid twice.

Is that fair? Does it matter? The NHL saw no issue in 2023, and maybe they see none now. For all we know, the Leafs made this hire to get an inside track to hiring Mehta. Or, maybe he’s not on their radar, and he’s not someone who will fuzzy the choice.