Mats Sundin returns as VP and these five things he did as captain are exactly what the Leafs have been missing

It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that Mats Sundin is going to come in and be the new VP of Hockey Operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs; bringing former Coyotes GM John Chayka with him.

It's something to be really excited about as a fan knowing that not only will there be an onus on a much different lineup, but also the fact that Sundin and company are going to try hard to bring pride back to the jersey.

While that's certainly not an easy task, it's one that with the right amount of thought and some luck could turn out extremely fruitful for the Maple Leafs but it won't come without some serious changes, and for Sundin — they are big ones.

Toronto needs to bring back pride to the blue and white while also making sure that those players give them on-ice success. So let's take a look back at Sundin's career and see how we can draw parallels to what was once successful.

Sundin was always a beast but he worked best when he had someone to compliment him. Mogilny was a wizard next to Sundin, and had 101 assists in his three years with the team —the majority on Sundin's wing.

So instead of a revolving door of forwards like Max Domi, Bobby McMann (before he was traded), Easton Cowan, and whoever else the team wants to stick there; he needs someone he can rely on.

Adding a player like Alex Tuch would be a great coup, but if he becomes too expensive then finding a deal for someone like Jonathan Marchessault would be a cheap option that gives Matthews that reliability and stability.

We aren't saying that we need a long-term solution for Matthews up front, hopefully that's Cowan's job. But like Mogilny, a stop-gap star would certainly make life easier for not only the captain, but Sundin and company.

Not literally of course, because they are well beyond retirement but it's about adding pieces like them. First, Kaberle was a guy who ran the offence from the back end and did so with aplomb.

He wasn't a physical guy but he was smooth as silk on skates, had great hands and a knack for finding the open man; while also being an above average defender.

He had 437 assists as a member of the Maple Leafs but also had a plus-25 rating. Compare that to who Matthews has now with Morgan Rielly. He has more assists but over 60 points worse in plus/minus. Matthews can't afford to have such a liability behind him.

Which is where McCabe came in to help out where Kaberle couldn't. Blessed with a blistering point shot, McCabe took bombs from the point with Kaberle often feeding him. But he also came with a crazy physical and aggressive side; not afraid to hit, fight, or otherwise agitate.

In order to succeed on the power-play and get way better at 5-on-5, the Maple Leafs need to employ a duo like they did in the past. Perhaps there's a world where Dougie Hamilton and/or Darren Raddysh come in and set things straight.

Whatever the case though, what's old should be new again.

Thomas was someone who came in towards the end of his career and turned back the clock. In his age 35 and 36 seasons he had a combined 54 goals and 136 points in 159 games for the Maple Leafs.

Tavares is pretty much doing the same thing, but with him now 35 there is always a case for him to start regressing. So instead, he needs to find whatever kept Thomas running and utilize the same thing.

But to be fair, you can't ask for much more from him. In all 82 games he put up 71 points (31 goals, 40 assists) and over the past three seasons has 210 points in 237 games; he's been as consistent as ever.

Toronto needs him to have a bit less defensive responsibility to maybe a move to the third line is a good call, but with his production not looking to waver and his bargain-basement contract — he's still a big part of the lineup.

Thomas dropped off once he hit 38, and with Tavares a few years away from that, there's hope he can keep this up at least a little longer.