Maple Leafs Have Offered Mats Sundin Significant Role

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Maple Leafs Have Offered Mats Sundin Significant Role

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 12:12 PM ET

As per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs have offered a significant role to franchise icon Mats Sundin. Friedman reports in his latest 32 Thoughts podcast: “My theory is his title, should this happen, and they’re trying to make it happen, is he’s going to be the Vice President of Hockey Operations.”

He added that the two sides are working out the logistics and specifics of the deal. “It took some time and it took some convincing, but I think they’re now actually negotiating with him to do it.”

Friedman also points out that targeting Sundin has been on the organization’s radar for some time. They wanted him badly, and so much so, they told interviewees who were talking to them about the GM role that Sundin would potentially be part of the equation. He explained, “I think some of the people who were interviewed kinda knew about it. I think some of them were informed or it was discussed with them that Sundin was being pitched on this position and they were potentially going to work together.”

John Chayka Set to Join Sundin and Run Maple Leafs?

Friedman also dropped a huge update, suggesting that the Maple Leafs have also found their next general manager. He reports, “I think that’s come down to John Chayka and Scott White, and if Sundin takes the job, I think it’s going to be Chayka.”

There is a chance that all of this goes sideways and Sundin doesn’t come aboard. That could change the Chayka plan. In that case, Friedman doesn’t know where things will go. “I don’t know what the backup plan is. But as it stands right now, I’m under the impression it’s going to be Sundin and Chayka, and they just have to close the deal.”

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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