Maple Leafs CEO cites 'deep due diligence' in controversial GM hire

Yahoo Sports3h ago10 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Toronto Maple Leafs CEO Keith Pelley introduced John Chayka as the new GM, citing 'deep due diligence' despite Chayka's controversial past, including a resignation and NHL suspension.

Key points

Toronto Maple Leafs hired John Chayka as GM
Keith Pelley cited 'deep due diligence' in the hiring process
Chayka resigned from the Coyotes before the 2020 playoffs
Chayka received a one-year suspension from the NHL
Mats Sundin appointed as senior executive adviser

Mentioned in this story

John ChaykaKeith PelleyMats Sundin

Toronto Maple LeafsArizona Coyotes

Maple Leafs CEO cites 'deep due diligence' in controversial GM hire

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be under the microscope this season in the wake of their recent hiring of former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka.

Leafs CEO Keith Pelley on Monday, May 4, introduced Chayka as the team's new GM and Hall of Famer Mats Sundin as senior executive adviser of hockey operations. But at the news conference, Pelley faced questions about Chayka's past − after he abruptly resigned from his post in Phoenix just before the 2020 playoffs and later received a one-year suspension from the NHL for "conduct detrimental to the league and game."

In an exchange that later went viral on social media, Pelley responded to a Toronto Sun writer's pointed questioning of the Chayka hiring by responding simply, "We conducted due diligence, and it was a deep due diligence."

Pelley continued: "It was a thorough process. I've read all the reports, I've talked to numerous people; I won't reveal who I've talked to that were close to the process. I'm very happy with where we landed."

The 36-year-old Chayka became the NHL's youngest-ever GM when he was hired 10 years ago by the Coyotes.

However, on July 26, 2020,the team released a scathing statement saying Chayka "quit" on the team and was disappointed in the timing of his decision.

Chayka will have the tall task of turning around a Maple Leafs team that went from first in the Atlantic division two seasons ago to last place this past season − when the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

The hiring of franchise icon Sundin could help stem any immediate backlash in Toronto. An 18-year NHL veteran, Sundin served as Maple Leafs captain for 10 of his 13 seasons with the team. However, he has never held a front office position in the NHL.

Q&A

What controversies surround John Chayka's hiring as Maple Leafs GM?

John Chayka faced controversy due to his abrupt resignation from the Arizona Coyotes before the 2020 playoffs and a subsequent one-year suspension from the NHL.

Who is the new general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

The new general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs is John Chayka, previously the GM of the Arizona Coyotes.

What did Maple Leafs CEO Keith Pelley say about the hiring process?

Keith Pelley stated that the team conducted 'deep due diligence' regarding the hiring of John Chayka.

What role does Mats Sundin have with the Maple Leafs?

Mats Sundin has been appointed as the senior executive adviser of hockey operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs.