John Chayka and Mats Sundin speak out for the first time since Maple Leafs hiring
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
This evening, new Toronto Maple Leafs decision makers Mats Sundin and John Chayka have spoken for the first time since being hired by the team.
The Toronto Maple Leafs conducted an exhaustive search for their next general manger after firing Brad Treliving.
As a result of the search, the Maple Leafs landed on a two person system with Maple Leaf legend Mats Sundin being hired as President of Hockey Operations and John Chayka as General Manager.
These hirings have each been met with mixed reactions of fans feeling unsure about the future of the Maple Leafs.
Now, fans got the first opportunity to hear from both Chayka and Sundin as they each put out a statement upon being hired.
John Chayka and Mats Sundin speak out for the first time since being hired by Maple Leafs
First up was Chayka who shared his excitement to work alongside Mats Sundin and then went into what his vision for the team will be.
I'm honoured to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization. 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. - John Chayka
Sundin would follow with a statement of his own recognizing how much the fans deserve a winning team and acknowledging the responsibility he feels to create a winning team and culture.
This fan base deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that. 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. - Mats Sundin
I look forward to working closely with John as we both recognize the incredible opportunity and responsibility to win here in Toronto. - Mats Sundin
With introductions out of the way, Chayka and Sundin will have to get to work quickly as the NHL Draft is just over a month away with free agency to quickly follow.
As those events get underway, it will be interesting to see what moves Chayka and Sundin make to put their stamp on a new era of Maple Leafs hockey.
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