A major NHL executive may hit the market this summer, and Leafs fans already want him running Toronto
Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Taking a look at the current trajectory of the Maple Leafs, they could be in the market for a new GM as fans are eyeing an executive whose contract is set to expire after the 2025‑26 season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a couple of GMs through the Auston Matthews era but neither have been able to maximize the potential the team had and has built a roster lacking consistency despite major investments.
Leafs fans just want someone who is consistent, has a true vision and isn't afraid to do what's necessary to improve the team, and they may be in luck.
Dallas Stars GM and former Executive of the Year Jim Nill's contract ends at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, but there have been no reports of an extension yet.
It's a situation fans have started paying attention to as they are clamoring for a change:
Adding Nill as the President of the Maple Leafs could be considered a massive coup for MLSE as they would not only be bringing in an executive with a wealth of experience, but someone who can actually bring about change.
Why Jim Nill fits what the Maple Leafs actually need in a new president
He's never afraid to make a splash and was crucial in bringing aboard names such as Tyler Seguin, Mikko Rantanen, as well as current Maple Leafs Chris Tanev and Max Domi.
While Dallas has struggled at times under Nill, recently the team has been one of the most dominant in the NHL, and have gone to three straight Western Conference Finals.
He's also overseen the progression of stars such as Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, Thomas Harley, and Miro Heiskanen. His drafting record is stellar too with the likes of Hintz, Denis Gurianov, Jake Oettinger, and Logan Stankoven; he knows how to prepare for the future.
Even his salary navigation is impressive, being able to keep several of his young players around as well as making sure they have stars like Rantanen and Matt Duchene to help them grow.
He would represent a significant change in approach compared to Brad Treliving, who has seemingly been unable to enact his vision for the Maple Leafs and has led to a slow, inconsistent, and frustrating team to watch.
So maybe it's not the players, and maybe it's not the head coach. Maybe Toronto needs to bring in a new voice above everyone else, and a multi-time Executive of the Year would be a fantastic way to do it.
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