Sundin’s Message to Leafs Fans Should Have Everyone Paying Attention

The Toronto Maple Leafs held a press conference on Monday, introducing Mats Sundin and John Chayka as their next senior executive advisor and general manager.

The announcement came as a shock to many, but what Mats Sundin said on Monday should excite Maple Leafs fans for the future. Throughout the interview, Sundin touched on what it means to be back with the Maple Leafs organization in a management role and how he can see the team taking form next season.

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Mats Sundin Excitement to be Part of the Toronto Maple Leafs Organization

“I’m extremely excited to be sitting here today. I’m very emotionally connected to the team, to the city. I think we (Chayka and I) have the same vision of what a winning team looks like, and we will complement each other.” Sundin said on Monday.

Sundin also added, “For me, it is really a dream. I am super excited. I lived it here with the Maple Leafs for 13 years. I was the captain for 11 years. I understand what the team means to the city. The fan base in Toronto is unique. There is no better in the world. To get a chance to represent the Maple Leafs organization and also the fan base, and try to do the best we can and work hard for them, is something I really cherish. I am really looking forward to it.”

At this point, the Maple Leafs and MLSE CEO Keith Pelley opted not to hire a team president, which leaves Sundin’s role a little confusing. It is my best guess that Sundin will act as the president of the organization, without being given the role. Sundin’s role, however, at first glance, resembles that of a president, as he will advise the moves general manager John Chayka will make, without likely needing to be around the team on a day-to-day basis.

Sundin on Working Alongside John Chayka

Sundin later spoke on working with Chayka and how he had admired his work in the past.

“I know John. I’ve watched John for a long time. He is a super-intelligent, progressive, hard-working guy. He understands the game. Even though he hasn’t been a GM for a long time, he has followed the game closely, stayed in contact, and watched players, the game, and prospects for this period that he has been out.”

Sundin and the remainder of the Maple Leafs management staff will have a lot of work to do over the next period of time, as the draft and free agency sit just around the corner. Sundin left the press conference for Maple Leafs fans to have a reason for excitement as he ended it off by saying:

“We’re going to do everything we can to help the Toronto Maple Leafs win and make you guys proud.”

Next: Matthews Unwilling to Commit to Maple Leafs Return [Report]