John Chayka has been appointed as the new GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, following their playoff absence. His hiring has raised eyebrows due to past controversies and recent tampering concerns reported shortly after his appointment.
Key points
John Chayka appointed as new GM of Toronto Maple Leafs
Mats Sundin named senior executive advisor of hockey operations
Tampering concerns reported shortly after Chayka's hiring
After missing the playoffs for the first time in years, the Toronto Maple Leafs are officially bringing in new voices to lead their franchise.
While Mats Sundin was named senior executive advisor of hockey operations, the team also landed a new general manager: John Chayka.
However, shortly after Chayka's official hiring on May 3, a report from Hockey 24/7 indicated "at least one team" had tampering concerns over how Chayka began filling out his staff in Toronto — which would only add to a list of some past controversies he's had.
Here's what to know about Chayka's history of front-office controversies, including his 2021 suspension.
What controversies has John Chayka been involved in?
John Chayka has a history of controversies, including previous allegations of tampering during his tenure with other teams.
Why are there tampering concerns regarding John Chayka's hiring?
Tampering concerns arose shortly after Chayka's hiring when reports indicated that at least one team questioned how he was filling out his staff in Toronto.
Who is John Chayka and what is his role with the Maple Leafs?
John Chayka is the newly appointed general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, tasked with leading the franchise after their playoff miss.
What impact could Chayka's past controversies have on the Maple Leafs?
Chayka's past controversies could affect team dynamics and public perception, potentially complicating his efforts to rebuild the Maple Leafs.
Related Articles
Sports
NBA playoff predictions: Picks for every second-round series with experts torn on Knicks vs. 76ers
CBS Sports Headlines·
Sports
2026 NBA Playoffs betting: Model leans heavily on one team in conference semifinals futures best bets
CBS Sports Headlines·
Sports
What draft experts said about Rams DT Tim Keenan III in scouting reports
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
Wales' rising star Aiono proud of Samoan heritage
BBC Sport·
Sports
Mumbai openers Sharma and Rickelton hand Lucknow sixth consecutive defeat in IPL
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
NCAA expresses disagreement with recent $140 million verdict in CTE case
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
In May 2016, Chayka was hired by the Arizona Coyotes as the new youngest manager in NHL history, just 26 years old. Over his tenure, the team would go 131–147–38 in four seasons.
However, Chayka was at the center of scandals at the end of his time in Arizona — and he hasn't been a general manager since.
When did John Chayka leave Coyotes?
On July 26, 2020, Chayka abruptly resigned from his role as general manager for the Coyotes. It was just one day before the playoffs were set to begin.
"John Chayka has quit as the General Manager and President of Hockey Operations of the Arizona Coyotes. The Club is disappointed in his actions and his timing as the Coyotes prepare to enter the NHL's hub city of Edmonton, where the team will begin post-season play for the first time since 2012," said the team in a statement, per ESPN. "Chayka has chosen to quit on a strong and competitive team, a dedicated staff, and the Arizona Coyotes fans, the greatest fans in the NHL."
Assistant general manager Steve Sullivan was named interim general manager, and Chayka reportedly had three years remaining on his contract after that season.
"I love our players, coaches, staff and fans and I very much wish I could be with the team in Edmonton. Sadly, the situation created by ownership made that an impossibility," Chakya said in a statement at the time, per ESPN. "That's all I intend to say on this matter for now. A fuller, more detailed explanation may be necessary in the near future."
Reports indicated that Chayka's relationship with the franchise was hurt as he had begun looking at opportunities with other teams.
John Chayka suspension
On Jan. 25, 2021, Chayka was suspended from working in the NHL for the remainder of the 2021 calendar year. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Chayka violated the league's "conduct detrimental to the league and game" rules and had "breached his obligation to the club" by pursuing opportunities with other teams while still under contract with the Coyotes, then stepping down with three years left on his deal.
The suspension prevented Chayka from working for any NHL team in any capacity through December 2021.
John Chayka scouting violations
In August 2020, Chayka — around one month after his resignation from Arizona — was at the center of another controversy, albeit unrelated to his scandalous exit from the franchise.
The NHL found that the Coyotes, under Chayka, violated the league's combine testing policy, accused of conducting illegal pre-draft testing for more than 20 prospects from the Canadian Hockey League, per ESPN. CHL teams "accused the Coyotes of putting draft-eligible prospects through physical tests, which is not allowed before the NHL scouting combine."
"We were advised today of the NHL's ruling regarding the allegations of physical fitness testing of draft prospects and respect the League's ruling," the Coyotes said in a statement at the time, per ESPN. "Under new leadership, we have added thorough internal controls and compliance measures to prevent this type of occurrence from happening again in the future. We will have no further comment."
Bettman decided not to impose a fine on the Coyotes for their scouting violations, or take any action against individuals within the team, but Arizona was punished by the NHL.
The Coyotes forfeited their 2020 second-round pick and 2021 first-round pick to the NHL for their violations.
"While I conclude that certain Club personnel acted in a grossly negligent manner at best, which was conceded by the Club, I ultimately conclude that the record does not establish -- to a standard with which I am comfortable -- that those individuals engaged in intentional wrongdoing, as opposed to grossly negligent behavior," Bettman said in a statement, per ESPN.
NHL says tampering concerns over Maple Leafs hiring 'unsubstantiated'
Chayka hasn't been a general manager in years, but Toronto is now hiring him. The move became official on May 3 — but on Monday, Hockey 24/7 reported that there were some concerns with Chayka's process while joining the Maple Leafs.
"At least one team" raised tampering concerns with the NHL, per Hockey 24/7, as Chayka began to fill out his staff for Toronto. That team "expressed concern to the NHL that employees under contract may have been contacted without proper permission."
However, the league found that concern to be "unsubstantiated."
