Sundin and Chayka spoke after being hired and their first quotes reveal how their partnership will work
Mats Sundin and John Chayka speak for the first time after being hired, setting up how they plan to run the new look Leafs.
Speaking on the first time after officially being hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, new General Manager John Chayka and Mats Sundin as Senior Executive Advisor outlined first steps for their tenure.
Chayka spoke on being hired as GM, speaking on building a competitive and relentless team, touching less on his data background and more a pure hockey focus.
I'm honoured to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization. This is one of hockey's most historic franchises, with a passionate fan base who want to win.
I'm focused on building a team that is competitive, driven and relentless - one that is in the best position to win for our fans and for the city of Toronto. - John Chayka
I'm focused on building a team that is competitive, driven and relentless - one that is in the best position to win for our fans and for the city of Toronto. - John Chayka
Mats Sundin spoke on joining the Leafs organization as an advisor after a Hall of Fame playing career, calling it "important" to return to his former team.
This fan base deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that. My love for the Maple Leafs and the City of Toronto is an important part of who I am and who I will always be.
I look forward to working closely with John as we both recognize the incredible opportunity and responsibility to win here in Toronto. - Mats Sundin
I look forward to working closely with John as we both recognize the incredible opportunity and responsibility to win here in Toronto. - Mats Sundin
Chayka's first words as GM said nothing about data and everything about what kind of leader he plans to be
Despite being an analytical oriented manager, John Chayka's first comments as the Toronto Maple Leafs next GM said nothing on the data, but instead focused on the hockey intangibles.
Chayka spoke on competitiveness and drive, choosing to focus on the product on the ice rather than the data off of it. It positions Chayka as a "players first" man as the GM.
While data will almost surely play an integral part in the Leafs operation under Chayka, the former data wonderkid is making clear this time around a new emphasis on pure hockey as well.
Fans will also notice the nod to them, mentioning a passionate fanbase hungrier than ever for winning after disappointing last season.
Sundin called this fanbase deserving of greatness and that one word choice tells you everything about his role
Mats Sundin's role involves a community and team building sense in which he'll help lead the culture. His first comments reflect the fans playing a part in such.
Sundin's role, which needs some more understanding the exact details, appears to have him as the No. 2 behind Chayka, someone who will be focused on advising hockey operations rather than dictating it.
If Sundin's role is to advise on what's best for Toronto, his comments are a sign that he will be listening to what fans want to see out of their team.
The Toronto Maple Leafs new leadership put out two statements with the same message, that there's a passion for a turnaround, and the fans will have their voices heard.
Chayka spoke about relentlesness, Sundin spoke about the fans. Together those two messages share the same need for passion, and it's a complete picture of what the Maple Leafs are building.
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