Leafs GM search coming to a close: Former Coyotes executive John Chayka in the drivers seat
Photo credit: Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
After the unceremonious firing of Brad Treliving, the Maple Leafs are on the verge of hiring his replacement. Former Coyotes GM John Chayka appears to be the guy.
Chayka has been a ‘free agent’ since his firing from the Arizona Coyotes, but has been working with the fast food chain Wendy’s, spearheading their expansion into Romania, and owning 61 franchises personally.
The Maple Leafs GM search has seen a few names emerge prominently; exciting former poker player Sunny Mehta, who recently signed with the New Jersey Devils, hockey genius Mike Gillis hailing from the Canucks, and others. Now, Chayka has taken the reins. Per Nick Kypreos, he’s overtaken Gillis as the favourite in Toronto.
While the Leafs reportedly aren’t making any decisions this week, the pecking order is starting to come together.
Whether or not this is the right move — the one that can bring the team back to the highs of Auston Matthews’ 69-goal campaign, with the hopes of a Stanley Cup in reach, is unknown.
His track record, objectively, isn’t great — the Coyotes were the laughing stock of the league for years ahead of their relocation to Utah. Not that it was all his fault; ownership constraints made it difficult to operate in that environment, but I’m sure there are some decisions he may wish he could take back.
If it is Chayka in Toronto, hopefully he brings a new energy to the team that deeply needs.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Matthew Tkachuk’s dig at Ottawa adds fuel to Brady Tkachuk’s playoff spotlight
Matthew Tkachuk’s dig at Ottawa adds fuel to Brady Tkachuk’s playoff spotlight