Sundin as Maple Leafs Vice President

Mats Sundin for Vice President of Hockey Operations seems to be the latest news floating around. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ search for a new front office appears to be nearing a conclusion. MLSE CEO Keith Pelley has reportedly narrowed the field to two finalists, former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka and Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White.

A new front office structure is needed after Toronto missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade. The Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving in March.

However, on the latest edition of his 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggests the timeline may not be so straightforward. According to Friedman, the organization is expected to wait until former Leafs’ captain Mats Sundin decides on a potential role. Sundin’s decision will shape how Pelley decides how to reconstruct the team’s leadership structure.

Sundin’s name was brought forth as a candidate for a role in the Leafs new organizational structure about one week ago. Some are speculating that his role would be as Vice President of Hockey Operations.

Sundin and Chayka to Lead the Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are in the midst of negotiating with Sundin to finalize his joining the front office. As an organization, MLSE feels like the pride in wearing the jersey has slipped this season. They want to have someone at the top who truly lives and breathes that Toronto Maple Leafs pride. Pelley and company believe Sundin represents that mindset.

“I think it’s very clear how much Sundin loves the team and what it means to wear that jersey. Now it’s about seeing if they can get this done,” said Friedman.

For some time, the Leafs have been discussing a larger role with Sundin than was publicly known, and needed to show him how it would work. He was not part of the formal search firm process. Some of the candidates who interviewed were aware that Sundin was being approached and could potentially be part of the structure.

According to Friedman, if the hiring of Sundin does happen, it is expected that John Chayka will be named as the new GM. As for now, Scott White is still an option. Nothing is finalized yet. However, as it stands, the overall expectation within MLSE is that Sundin and Chayka will lead the Maple Leafs new front office.

Big Role or Nothing for Sundin

Sundin reportedly told the Maple Leafs that he would only consider a position within the company if it was a significant role. A role as vice president or president of hockey operations would require Sundin to move back to Canada.

The former team captain and current All-Time points record holder for the team spends his retired life split between Toronto and his home in Sweden. A new front office role would disrupt his comfort in retirement, as such a high-profile executive position would become his everyday life.

If both Sundin and Chayka do, in fact, get hired to run the Maple Leafs, will they be able to work together? As GM, Chayka will want to reshape the roster that best suits his vision. However, how much say will Sundin have in the new GM’s decisions?

This is a story with so many layers, it’s hard to keep track of it all. With the NHL draft lottery happening next week on Tuesday, May 5th, I wonder if MLSE will have its new front office in place before then? Only time will tell.