Maple Leafs GM search will become clearer once Mats Sundin makes decision

As the Toronto Maple Leafs conduct a diligent search for their next general manager, the team is waiting on a franchise legend to make a decision on his future.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Maple Leafs are waiting on Mats Sundin to make a decision on his future, and that will provide some further clarity into the team’s imminent hirings. Sundin was reportedly in talks for an advisory role, but it’s possible he may seek a larger role within the front office. John Chayka and Scott White are the reported finalists for the general manager vacancy, while Mike Gillis is the popular favourite to be named as the next president of hockey operations.

“Toronto: I think what we’re kind of awaiting to see how this is all going to work is Mats Sundin’s decision,” Friedman said on Monday’s edition of 32 Thoughts. “We’ll see where that goes this week, but as you’ve heard me say, I’ve wondered if he’s contemplating a larger role that’s been hinted or reported. I still believe that’s true. Everyone’s hoping to get an idea this week to see where he’s learning and what he’s considering. I think once we know where Sundin falls on this, we’ll have a truer, clearer picture of what the Maple Leafs’ front office is going to look like.”

Sundin has been around the Maple Leafs for the past two training camps, and returned to Toronto to celebrate Auston Matthews surpassing hm as the franchise’s all-time goals leader in January. Although he doesn’t have any formal experience in hockey operations, the Maple Leafs would certainly welcome back one of the greatest players in franchise history. Sundin has strong relationships with the current iteration of the team, including a lifelong friendship with winger Max Domi.

It’ll be compelling to see how the search plays out, as it’s certainly the most important decision of MLSE CEO Keith Pelley’s career. It may be an unconventional route, but Sundin is perhaps the most popular player in franchise history and would go a long way in restoring goodwill with the fan base.