It was the NHL’s worst kept secret.
For days, if not weeks, the name John Chayka was bandied about as Brad Treliving’s replacement as Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager.
Monday it became official.
At just thirty-six years old the Jordan Station native becomes, once again, the youngest general manager in the National Hockey League.
“Today is an important day for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization,” said MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley. “I’m thrilled to welcome John and Mats to their roles, two great hockey minds that will strengthen our entire hockey club. From the start of this process, it’s been about building a championship-calibre team for our fans and our city and today is an important step towards that goal.”
Chayka becomes the 19th General Manager in Maple Leafs franchise history. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School, Chayka brings a comprehensive strategic and analytical skill set and diverse experience, including as a player and hockey executive. He co-founded the hockey data analytics firm Stathletes in 2010 and joined the Arizona Coyotes organization in 2015 as Assistant General Manager of Analytics and served as General Manager from 2016 to 2020.
“I’m honoured to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization,” said Chayka. “This is one of hockey’s most historic franchises, with a passionate fan base who want to win. I’m focused on building a team that is competitive, driven and relentless – one that is in the best position to win for our fans and for the City of Toronto.”
Chayka also played junior hockey here in Niagara with the then Thorold Blackhawks, St. Catharines Falcons and Welland Jr. Canadians.
Joining Chayka and Pelley at Monday’s press conference was newly named Senior Executive Advisor, Hockey Operations, Leafs legend Mats Sundin.
Sundin, the franchise’s all-time points leader with 987 points, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee (2012), was the franchise’s longtime team captain and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in franchise history. His tenure was defined by elite performance, consistency and leadership, and he was honoured with a statue on Legends Row in 2015.
In his new role, Sundin will serve as a strategic advisor and provide support across hockey operations, with a focus on team culture, player development and leadership support.
“This fan base deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that,” said Sundin. “My love for the Maple Leafs and the City of Toronto is an important part of who I am and who I will always be. I look forward to working closely with John as we both recognize the incredible opportunity and responsibility to win here in Toronto.”
One of Chayka’s main responsibilities will be rebuilding Toronto’s depleted farm system.
As of today 2023 first-round pick Easton Cowan is the Maple Leafs top prospect.
Cowan has 11 goals and 29 points in 66 NHL games played.
Chayka will also have to determine the future of current head coach Craig Berube, but did say he’s a “tremendous coach,” a “Stanley Cup coach,” and a “good person,” at Monday’s press conference.
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
