John Chayka called out the Maple Leafs defense core on day one and his plan to fix it is already clear
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
John Chayka explained in his first meeting with the media that the defence needs to improve, and his plan comes with a simple solution — trade Morgan Rielly.
In his first introductory press conference, John Chayka had to deal with more than his fair share of questions though those were mainly focused on his time prior to being hired in Toronto; and it was awkward to say the least.
He did give a few hints though as to what the team needs to do in order to be competitive, and if he is actually able to make a few shrewd deals in order to beef up the roster then maybe he's the right guy after all.
Chayka named the defence core as the problem on day one and it shows where his priorities are focused
But it isn't going to be easy, and Chayka admitted that while the team has a great foundation to build upon, there are some holes in the structural integrity that needs filling — and it's one on the back end:
Every season is an opportunity and sacred for this organization, for the fans, the owners and ourselves. I think we have some world class talent, there’s a gap though from where we are today; we’re realistic.
There are parts of the game and parts of the roster that we need to improve on. I don’t think it is any secret. I think the defense core needs to be improved. We need maybe a different mix and maybe some different looks, with how we exit the zone and move through the neutral zone.
There are just a lot of ways in which we can improve the team — team speed — but ultimately, we’re sitting here in May. It is a long offseason. It is my job to go out and make some moves to make the team better.
There are parts of the game and parts of the roster that we need to improve on. I don’t think it is any secret. I think the defense core needs to be improved. We need maybe a different mix and maybe some different looks, with how we exit the zone and move through the neutral zone.
There are just a lot of ways in which we can improve the team — team speed — but ultimately, we’re sitting here in May. It is a long offseason. It is my job to go out and make some moves to make the team better.
These quotes are two separate Chayka statements, the first about world-class talent being from The Real Kyper and Bourne Show, meanwhile the improvement quote was taken after his side media scrum that was given after his initial press conference.
It has to be refreshing for the fans to hear that Toronto is focusing heavily on improving a blueline that has really been unable to move the puck or find a way out of their zone and the onus on speed and getting faster is a godsend knowing just how slow and plodding the team has been recently.
Chayka talked about building a player development machine — which should both terrify and excite Maple Leafs fans
One of the most interesting parts of the press conference was Chayka's admission that he wants to create a development monster in Toronto, using all available resources to make the Maple Leafs the place to become a true NHLer:
I think when talking about building and I was very clear, it’s about having a foundation. Facilities, player development, resources, sports science, RND, hopefully these will sustain us for a long time beyond my years.
Those are daily commitments we will work on again and again and again in order to build a player development machine.
Those are daily commitments we will work on again and again and again in order to build a player development machine.
Chayka is preparing to leave the team in a better place even when he is gone and that's actually a lot more admirable than previous GM regimes, and him leaving no stone unturned is a great way to force change.
This means that we could very well see Toronto prospects or an onus on signing/trading for younger perhaps less developed NHLers and mould them into their own vision and create a revolving door of young, speedy, and skilled players who can be as versatile as they are dangerous.
But there's a horrible, no good, very bad side to this too.
Toronto is notorious for trading away their young players for a chance at veteran help in the postseason. While there is no guarantee Chayka will, if there's a trade to be made; we know Chayka isn't shy about it.
What happens then is now you have a wealth of NHL-ready young guys who are inexperienced? Chayka may be willing to take on some years in exchange for youth — the MO for every GM recently.
What if the team builds an army of players but decide they have no room for them? You just developed your rivals' next role players or even stars. You think Maple Leafs fans are going to be happy if Boston ends up getting their hands on another Fraser Minten?
That's a horrifying nightmare scenario and if Chayka isn't careful with his assets he could be building the next crop of stars for the NHL.
Potentially not just for the Maple Leafs either.
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