Growing Talk Around John Chayka as Maple Leafs GM, Frontrunner Now “Out”

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a new general manager, and recent reports suggest the process may be shifting in an unexpected direction.

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According to Nick Kypreos, there is a growing belief that John Chayka (former general manager of the Arizona Coyotes) is emerging as a leading candidate for the role. Kypreos noted that he is “hearing more Chayka than” Mike Gillis at this stage, adding that there is unconfirmed speculation Gillis may no longer be in the running.

“I do hear more John Chayka than I do Mike Gillis right now. Someone, and it’s unconfirmed, told me Gillis is out,” said Kyper.

Kypreos said he wasn’t able to gather enough intel on exactly why Gillis would be out. It’s possible the Maple Leafs have cooled on the former Vancouver Canucks executive, or that the two sides were unable to align on the proper plan for the Maple Leafs. There is an outside chance this is all smoke and mirrors, with the Maple Leafs simply trying to keep their plans under wraps and could still reveal Gillis as part of a larger front office strategy.

Is Chayka the Right Fit in Toronto?

If Gillis is indeed out, Chayka becoming a bit of a frontrunner is interesting. The former Coyotes GM has been frequently linked to the position, but many believed his name was little more than one that was “out there”. Few thought there was legitimate traction. Part of that is because of how long he’s been out of the game as a GM, and his run in Arizona, which wasn’t spectacular, but included difficult circumstances.

However, he is young, experienced, and he’s an analytics-driven executive. He checks several boxes that the Maple Leafs are reportedly looking for.

Chayka also has ties to the Southern Ontario hockey community, which could add another layer of familiarity and comfort for the organization.

Perhaps, when all is said and done, Chayka becomes part of a broader leadership group. That bigger group could include names like Mats Sundin.

For now, the situation remains fluid.

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