With Sunny Mehta now with the New Jersey Devils, the Toronto Maple Leafs are continuing their pursuit of a new president or general manager. The team reportedly conducted exit interviews on Thursday, and amidst their ongoing search, there are reports of a familiar face potentially returning to the organization.
Elliotte Friedman, on “32 Thoughts the Podcast,” discussed the current state of the Maple Leafs’ front office search. With Mehta no longer a candidate, Toronto is assessing its options. The team has interviewed a number of individuals, including Mike Gillis, John Chayka, Chris Pronger, current acting GMs Ryan Hardy and Brandon Pridham, and Islanders’ Ryan Bowness. Friedman also mentioned Ryan Martin as a potential candidate, though it’s unconfirmed. There’s been talk about Ross Mahoney, but its accuracy is uncertain.
The Maple Leafs have been conducting numerous interviews, largely via Zoom, speaking with approximately nine to ten individuals. Now that Mehta is off the board, the organization has a few paths forward: either narrow down the existing list to a few finalists for further interviews or proceed with another favored candidate.
In addition to the GM search, there’s a significant development regarding Mats Sundin. Friedman has heard that the Maple Leafs are in discussions with the former captain about a potential return in an advisory capacity. While the exact title is still to be determined – whether it’s an advisor or a Vice President of Hockey Operations – Sundin is meeting with the organization, including ownership. This move is seen as a positive step, aiming to leverage Sundin’s deep connection to the franchise and his commitment to re-establishing a strong team culture.
The addition of Sundin, a beloved figure from past successful Maple Leafs teams, could provide a much-needed presence and direction, similar to other former players who have taken on similar roles in other NHL organizations. While modern analytics are important, the Maple Leafs are also seeking to re-instill a foundational, old-school mentality.
