Leafs Front Office 2026 | Official: Sundin & Chayka to lead front office
- Thread starter herman
- Start date
I think if we're trying to look at it from this type of angle my guess would be it was less about salary and more about Sundin's involvement. It's quite clear Pelley and/or MLSE wanted Mats involved in a big way before the true "search" even happened. I wouldn't be all that shocked if at least part of the season Chayka was ultimately picked was because for right (they have a prior relationship) or wrong (others didn't want to share the spotlight with an executive with zero experience) reasons he was the best fit with Sundin.
There was quite an interesting exchange with Chayka - I believe (not positive) that it was with Friedman. The question was something to the effect of "when collaborating with Sundin, what if Mats says 'that is a bad idea' ?" Chayka quickly and bluntly replied "then the idea is dead" (or something like that).
That suggests Chayka is head of hockey operations but Sundin has a veto.
That surprised me from the way they talked about the structure and Sundin's title. Sundin's real title might be "Advisor with veto power"
They appear to have some real shackles on Chayka. In some ways, given his track record, that is probably good. In other ways, it probably won't last when the pressure comes down - like it didn't with Dubas.
L K
Well-known member
Simmons is a dolt. His line of questioning is completely devalued because he always has to show the world how much of a dick he is.
I polled 20 people and all of them thought he was loser . Can Steve comment on how much of loser he is?
herman
Well-known member
In case you didn't want to podcast it and want to read way too much into the body language and facial expressions instead
Sportsnet, sister company to MLSE, getting all the cushy one-on-ones now that Bell Media no longer has a seat in ownership. TSN and other coverage definitely feeling free to take a different slant now, rather than toeing the company line.
herman
Well-known member
I think the Chayka + Sundin combo sort of checks almost all the boxes MLSE would've wanted in a HOHO
From the Chayka side:
- Experience running a team (sort of)
- Experience with the business elements of an org
- Creative asset usage
- Data-driven decision making
- Collaboration oriented
- Comfortable with Businessese
- Not a complete dud in front of the cameras
Sundin brings to the table:
- Authority and respect from the skaters and executive/operational layers
- Deep experience with managing locker rooms and personalities
I disagree with the theory that Rogers was just trying to save money going with someone who had no options (Chayka), because it's ay more expensive to hire two people than one.
I kind of wish there was a different option that covered the Chayka boxes just to avoid the sideshow his history has dragged in, which they haven't really adequately addressed yet, but it really feels like he's being railroaded by the narratives that took root around the Doan handling and Meruelo's mess.
From the Chayka side:
- Experience running a team (sort of)
- Experience with the business elements of an org
- Creative asset usage
- Data-driven decision making
- Collaboration oriented
- Comfortable with Businessese
- Not a complete dud in front of the cameras
Sundin brings to the table:
- Authority and respect from the skaters and executive/operational layers
- Deep experience with managing locker rooms and personalities
I disagree with the theory that Rogers was just trying to save money going with someone who had no options (Chayka), because it's ay more expensive to hire two people than one.
I kind of wish there was a different option that covered the Chayka boxes just to avoid the sideshow his history has dragged in, which they haven't really adequately addressed yet, but it really feels like he's being railroaded by the narratives that took root around the Doan handling and Meruelo's mess.
Guru Tugginmypuddah
Well-known member
Everyone acting like Chayka was kicking puppies. Coyotes were a M E S S and he wanted out. Who cares.
Shane Doan was almost 40 years old when they decided to not sign him as a player, and instead made him an offer to stay with the Coyotes in an off-ice capacity.
Shane Doan was almost 40 years old when they decided to not sign him as a player, and instead made him an offer to stay with the Coyotes in an off-ice capacity.
Joe S.
Moderator
Do we know how long his contract is?
Joe S.
Moderator
From my perspective, my main issue is lack of respect the league seems to have for him. The Leafs already seem to get no favour from the league, and to have him as the Leafs main conduit to the league feels like a recipe for disaster.
I could of course be making something out of nothing.
dappleganger
Well-known member
Maybe Leafs ownership is finally saying fuck you to the league? Not only are they one of the top franchises in terms of revenue and value, the owner of the Leafs owns the Canadian national broadcast rights, yet the team seems to get shit on more than most and doesn't have as much "sway" as other franchises seem to have.
They hired Brendan Shanahan right from the league office previously and it did not seem to help. If anything at least they are choosing a new path.
herman
Well-known member
League GMs did the same to Dubas (see all those waiver claims).
Redleaf
Well-known member
I can’t find anything stating the length of his contract.
Guru Tugginmypuddah
Well-known member
There are GM's in the NHL that don't take too kindly to these young whipper snappers and there fancy pants spreadsheets.
Peter D.
Moderator
There were suggestions yesterday it was upwards of a 5-year deal. But nowhere has that been confirmed that I could find.
Joe S.
Moderator
True. Forgot about that
mr grieves
Well-known member
Is it that or is it just this?
I dunno. All that stuff that makes him controversial can be dismissed as old boys club grievances, but what’s the record of accomplishment beneath that? 1 year as an AGM, 4 poor years as GM. What does he know about building a winning organization?