Insider: Maple Leafs Doing Due Diligence on the Two GM Finalists

The Toronto Maple Leafs front office search remains ongoing, with no immediate decision expected as the organization continues to evaluate its final candidates.

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According to a report by Elliotte Friedman on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, John Chayka, Ryan Martin, and Scott White were among the finalists invited to Toronto earlier this week for in-person interviews. Candidates were told there was a possibility one could advance to a final stage, including a meeting with Ed Rogers, which could ultimately determine the next general manager.

However, that phase has not yet taken place.

Martin impressed in interviews, but has since been informed he will not move forward in the process, leaving Chayka and White as the remaining candidates under consideration. While Nick Kypreos has suggested Chayka may be the frontrunner, Friedman reports the situation remains fluid. The organization is believed to be leaning in that direction, but no final decision is imminent.

Instead, the Leafs are conducting further due diligence on the two finalists rather than expanding their search. As it stands, no hire is expected in the coming days.

There are also lingering questions about how the front office structure will ultimately look. Mats Sundin has been linked to a potential role, with some speculation suggesting his involvement could extend beyond a simple advisory position.

Meanwhile, Mike Gillis remains in the mix, though his candidacy appears to have cooled. While there were plans for a second in-person interview, that has yet to materialize, and there is no indication he has already been hired.

Notably, candidates were reportedly told they were interviewing for a Head of Hockey Operations role, not strictly to become the next general manager. For now, the expectation is the Leafs will hire one person to oversee hockey operations — though that could evolve as the process continues.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Dach’s Error, Leafs’ GM & McDavid’s Health