Toronto is Going for Gold

The Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka is reportedly set to make a major addition to his front office.

Most people were not surprised when the Maple Leafs fired Brad Treliving as the general manager. However, many were shocked when MLSE hired John Chayka as his replacement.

Since the hiring of Chayka, the team has seen many changes. Most recently, in the front office. Following the NHL draft, Toronto fired 14 front office staff members. Analytics and Player Development took the biggest hits. Notable names like Brandon Pridham, Darryl Metcalf, Hayley Wickenheiser, and Mark Leach were all relieved of duty.

Now, it’s too early to tell if these were good moves or bad moves. It’s not uncommon for a new GM to want his own people in those positions. Judd Brackett is one of those new hires. He’ll be running the scouting department now that Mark Leach has been let go.

Rumor has it that Toronto could be close to adding a major addition to their front office. They are reportedly close to hiring former Boston Bruins assistant general manager Evan Gold. Gold was rumored to have interviewed for the Maple Leafs GM job before MLSE hired Chayka instead.

Toronto Going for Gold

Gold was considered a top candidate for the Maple Leafs GM job. Finding a way to get him as an assistant GM alongside Chayka would be a major get. If he is set to join Toronto’s front office, it won’t be until August 1st. The Bruins announced on Tuesday that Gold would be leaving the organization effective August 1st.

Despite being a top candidate for the GM jobs in Toronto and Vancouver, Gold didn’t get either of those. Since the Bruins announced that Gold is leaving anyway, it opens the door for him to accept an assistant GM job elsewhere.

The former Bruin’s AGM is from Toronto; he holds a law degree and an MBA from the University of Toronto. With the Bruins, he helped with salary cap analysis, CBA compliance, and pro scouting, among other roles. Meaning he could easily step into Brandon Pridham or Darryl Metcalf’s old role.

Gold also served as the GM of the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL team. He is also known as a tough negotiator. Gold also has an analytics background, which teams desire nowadays.

Gold had been with the Bruins for 11 years. First as director of legal affairs before his promotion to assistant GM in 2023. Now he appears set to join the Maple Leafs’ front office. A move many didn’t see coming when he lost out on the GM job in June.

Chayka is a Man of Action

Gone are the days of waiting around for the Maple Leafs to do something. Since he first took the job as the GM in Toronto, John Chayka has been a busy guy.

Won the NHL Draft Lottery. He fired head coach Craig Berube and his coaching staff. Had a fairly successful draft, which earned an A rating. Hired Jim Hiller as head coach. Reshaped the Maple Leafs’ roster through free agency and trades. Relieved 14 front office staff of their duties. Like him or hate him, at least Chayka is doing something.