Following the New Jersey Devils’ appointment of Sunny Mehta as their new GM, the Toronto Maple Leafs are continuing their search for a president or general manager. Reports from the “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” indicate that exit interviews were conducted on Thursday. Meanwhile, there’s buzz about former captain Mats Sundin potentially returning to the organization in some capacity.
Kyle Bukauskas noted that with Mehta off the board, the Maple Leafs are still seeking their next front-office leader. Candidates who have reportedly interviewed include Mike Gillis, John Chayka, Chris Pronger, and current acting general managers Ryan Hardy and Brandon Pridham. Ryan Bowness of the Islanders is also believed to have been interviewed, though information on Gregory Campbell and Ryan Martin’s status is less certain. There has been discussion about Ross Mahoney, but its confirmation is pending.
Elliotte Friedman suggested that the Maple Leafs conducted numerous Zoom interviews, with some potentially in person, speaking with about nine to ten individuals. With Mehta no longer a contender, the team has a couple of paths: either narrow down the existing pool to a few finalists or move forward with another preferred candidate.
Significantly, Friedman also reported that the Maple Leafs are in discussions with Mats Sundin, a legendary figure in franchise history, about a potential return in an advisory capacity. While the exact title remains unclear—whether it’s an advisor or a VP of hockey operations—Sundin is reportedly meeting with ownership. Friedman views this as a positive development, emphasizing Sundin’s deep connection to the organization and his potential to positively influence the team’s culture, similar to other former players who have taken on prominent roles in NHL franchises.
The Maple Leafs are aiming to integrate Sundin into their new management structure, with his meetings in North America currently ongoing. This move is seen as a potential step towards establishing a clearer organizational identity and setting the right tone, especially given past challenges with cohesive messaging.
