Mats Sundin discusses aligned vision with new GM John Chayka to deliver a ‘winning team’

On Monday, the Maple Leafs held their first press conference with the duo and MLSE President Keith Pelley since the hirings. A franchise legend in Toronto, Sundin opened by talking about his love for the city and what he believes he and Chayka can bring to the team.

“This is the hockey capital of the world,” Sundin said. “We’ve got to do everything we can to deliver a winning team here and make you guys proud.”

Having both been around Ontario hockey for a long time, the two are well acquainted. According to Sundin, he’s known Chayka for many years. Now working together, the Swedish Hall of Famer is confident they can build a winning culture in Toronto.

“I’m very emotionally connected to the team, the city,” Sundin continued. “I’ve known John for a long time and I think we have the same vision of what a winning team looks like. We’re going to compliment each other perfectly.”

Through his 18-year career, Sundin played for 13 seasons in a Leafs sweater. In just his third year with the team, he was named the 16th captain in franchise history, a title he held for 11 years. Originally from Sweden, Toronto was his home for over a decade. With his new role, Sundin has moved his family back to Ontario’s capital once again.

Chayka has local roots himself. Toronto’s newest GM is originally from Lincoln, Ontario, a small town near St. Catharines. He played minor hockey around Southwestern Ontario and holds a business degree from the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School in London, Ontario. At the time, he co-founded Stathletes, a hockey analytics company. At just 26, he became the youngest GM in NHL history when he was hired by the Arizona Coyotes. He held the role for four years, resigning in 2020.

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