Mats Sundin is already shaping Toronto's rookies and Gavin McKenna benefits most

Mats Sundin isn't just going to help run the front office as a video released by the Maple Leafs shows that the Toronto legend is working with the team's prospects.

This past offseason saw a slew of changes in the Maple Leafs organization but one of the biggest changes was adding Sundin into the mix. The franchise's leader in points, and one of the most respected and beloved players in team history was meant to bring a new perspective on how the team should run - from one of its very best.

While hired as a Senior Advisor to GM John Chayka, Sundin is expected to help foster a better culture in the organization while also working with players and staff to help develop them into what the team wants them to be.

Mats Sundin's role stretches beyond just a ceremonial position

But Sundin isn't just going to be behind a desk the entire time, and he's going to be working hard to make sure the newcomers - specifically the Maple Leafs prospects - are prepared for the road ahead.

Speaking as part of the rookie introduction, Sundin was honest about what he expects of the new players and how to conduct themselves day in and day out. He also implored them to look a bit deeper inside themselves and find what truly is going to make them better:

One thing that the Toronto Maple Leafs want to make sure we're doing is just with everybody - how you treat your teammates, the staff, equipment, you know, everyone is helping you out. I think that's something that's important for the rest of your career.

It was then Sundin told them a key piece of advice:

Always try and think: What can I do to make myself better? It's no one else's responsibility. What can I do to make my team better?

If there's anyone who has the knowledge, experience, and leadership qualities necessary to help guide these rookies, it's Sundin. He captained the team for 11 seasons, had his #13 number retired, and is often regarded as one of, if not the best Maple Leaf of all time. He believes in the team as much as anyone, and wants others to believe just as hard.

Gavin McKenna's only going to make Sundin's leadership role more valuable

But if any player can point to Sundin's inclusion as a positive it's Gavin McKenna. Not only can Sundin ease him into transitioning to Toronto but he can also give him the advice and wisdom only a fellow first overall pick can.

Sundin knows the expectations and pressures of being the top pick and what comes with that beyond the on-ice results. Fans are going to be expecting a superstar right away, and Sundin's role is to ensure McKenna doesn't get either too ahead of himself, or down on himself if he doesn't produce right away.

Toronto's hockey market is in a league of its own at times; it's the biggest one in the NHL, its fanbase is as diehard and loyal as can be, though also incredibly frustrated with a lack of success since 1967.

McKenna could be seen as a saviour to some, and that's a ton of weight to put on an 18-year-old's shoulders.

That's why Sundin's so important. He can pull McKenna aside and talk with him about setting expectations, and how to properly achieve his goals without getting distracted.

Also, Sundin was adept at dealing with the media and being honest good or bad, which helped endear him a lot to the fans as well; something McKenna could (and probably should) learn.

For years, Toronto surrounded themselves with executives and front office personnel who had great hockey minds, but weren't exactly in tune with what it meant to be a Maple Leaf and they decided to change that in a big way by hiring arguably the person who knows it best.

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