Recent reports indicate that the Toronto Maple Leafs are in discussions with several former players about potential front office positions. Beyond the previously mentioned Mats Sundin, it has come to light that Gary Roberts and Tie Domi are also being considered.
“We’re aware of Sundin’s involvement. I believe Sundin and [Shanahan/other executive] met on Sunday. It wouldn’t be surprising if other former Leafs players also become involved in some capacity, particularly on the managerial or front office side,” a source noted.
Tie Domi’s name has surfaced this week as a potential addition, possibly joining Mats Sundin and bringing in other individuals. Gary Roberts is also reportedly a candidate.
This development suggests that the team is approaching a decision point. It’s worth recalling that during a press conference, it was stated that the ideal scenario was to find the right person by mid-May, with a fallback to the first week of June. This timeline appears to have been accelerated.
The urgency is amplified by other teams also undergoing significant front office changes. For instance, the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly beginning their GM interviews this week, and Nashville is close to finalizing their search, having potentially met with Fitzgerald on Tuesday. With these decisions pending across the league, Toronto needs to solidify its plans relatively quickly.
Furthermore, Darren Dreger reported on TSN’s “First Up” that the Maple Leafs have indeed engaged in conversations with Gary Roberts regarding a potential front office role. “I’ve heard that Gary Roberts, who has done exceptional work in the NHL and major junior leagues, particularly with his sports science platform and continued training of top NHL stars, is someone the team would naturally consider for discussions,” Dreger stated.
