A third Maple Leafs GM finalist has emerged and his name will surprise every fan who's been following along
Photo credit: YouTube - Los Angeles Kings
Mike Futa is the third man involved in the Maple Leafs GM search and while Toronto wants John Chayka, turning away from Futa could be a big mistake.
As the Maple Leafs continue their GM search, they are narrowing things down considerably from their start a few weeks ago. With Mats Sundin potentially in a huge role and John Chayka reportedly attached to his hip; there's some big changes in Toronto on the horizon.
But there was also a couple other names who were involved in the GM search and while the team didn't give a lot of room for names like Evan Gold and Ryan Martin, they did give Scott White and an unidentified third person the chance to impress.
Well, we at least now know who is the third man in the situation and it's someone who has more than a fair share of experience and success — Mike Futa.
Futa is the name nobody was tracking and his background explains why the Maple Leafs are suddenly interested
Futa is a name no one really heard about and for good reason. Elliotte Friedman kept things under wraps considering that Futa and him are close friends and he didn't want his name to be out in public to avoid any distractions.
But he did indeed interview for the job and was one of the finalists, and while there is a likely chance he may not get the GM job; there's still certainly a spot for him given his accolades.
He helped build the Los Angeles Kings into the powerhouse that won two Cups in three years, first as Director of Amateur Scouting then moving up into the Assistant GM spot, and also was GM of LA's AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign.
He also spent five seasons as GM of the Owen Sound Attack, so he's quite well versed in running teams at all levels. Just taking a look at who LA has drafted since he was involved; it's a staggering list:
- Drew Doughty
- Brayden Schenn
- Kyle Clifford
- Nic Dowd
- Tyler Toffoli
- Tanner Pearson
- Adrian Kempe
- Quinton Byfield
- Brayden Schenn
- Kyle Clifford
- Nic Dowd
- Tyler Toffoli
- Tanner Pearson
- Adrian Kempe
- Quinton Byfield
Not to mention some of the names who were brought in to help out during those Cup years like Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Marian Gaborik and Jake Muzzin — he figured out who fits best and found some absolute gems.
That level of experience and success should make the Maple Leafs think twice about bringing in Chayka and it explains why Toronto wanted to keep things under wraps. If it got out they wanted Futa, then other teams may jump on the bandwagon knowing he's available.
Three finalists means the Chayka and Sundin pairing is not as locked in as Friedman suggested and the search just got more complicated
It does make things a little more interesting knowing that Futa is someone who was looked at. Right now, he hosts The FAN Hockey Show alongside Matt Marchese, and he's as in the know with the Maple Leafs as anyone.
He last helped Carolina in 2021-22 as a Special Assistant to the GM, so he's been out of the executive side for a bit but that knowledge and experience is still right there.
Friedman was being a good friend by not letting the cat out of the bag however it would have been nice to know that Toronto at least was looking at someone who could feasibly be their best option.
Chayka is young and analytical, and White has been with Jim Nill for years. But Futa is someone who genuinely built a powerhouse that still has remnants of it with Drew Doughty in the lineup despite all odds.
It makes Keith Pelley and MLSE's job a lot harder knowing they would love to bring in Sundin and Chayka as a duo, but Futa is hanging right there with the chance to really make a splash. Perhaps there's a role for him elsewhere alongside Sundin and Chayka.
We can only hope, because if the Maple Leafs ignore Futa and Chayka isn't the answer then they'll have more than just a bit of egg on their face.
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