Maple Leafs GM John Chayka open to more 'difference-maker' trades

Toronto Maple Leafs fans will love general manager John Chayka’s latest comments about the summer market.

In recent days, the Canadian franchise has completed several moves, including re-signing defenseman Troy Stecher, signing forwards Teddy Blueger, Zack MacEwen, Brandon Duhaime, Vinnie Lettieri, Henry Rybinski, defenseman Cole McWard and goaltender Samuel Hlavaj, among others.

But Chayka does not want to stop there, or at least that is what he made clear in comments reported by Sportsnet on Thursday.

Maple Leafs GM John Chayka hints at more moves

"We think we've got some good stability through our lineup now. If we can add difference makers, I think we should always be trying to do that. And it does feel like there might be more liquidity in the market in these July, August months," Chayka said.

Naturally, one of the names that came up during the conversation was defenseman Morgan Rielly.

It was recently reported that Rielly's agent had even submitted a list of teams that the 32-year-old blueliner would be willing to join if he left Toronto.

Chayka said that nothing is imminent and did not rule out the possibility of Rielly’s departure, although he made it clear that, for now, he considers Morgan to be part of the Maple Leafs’ restructuring.

The Leafs GM also said that, in his view, the job of a general manager is to be on a star hunt first and foremost. According to his philosophy, a hockey team can change its fortunes with a few top players who can make a significant impact.

"The depth piece matters, how you fill out a roster, how you manage the cap, that's all necessary, but not maybe sufficient," Chayka said.