The Toronto Maple Leafs hired Mats Sundin as senior executive adviser and John Chayka as general manager, the team announced Sunday.
Chayka will report to MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley as the head of hockey operations, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Sundin and his family will move back to Toronto as he assumes the full-time position, Friedman adds.
"I'm thrilled to welcome John and Mats to their roles, two great hockey minds that will strengthen our entire hockey club," Pelley said in a statement. "From the start of this process, it's been about building a championship-caliber team for our fans and our city, and today is an important step toward that goal."
Sundin has never worked in an NHL front office. He starred for the Maple Leafs as a player from 1994-2008, and he's the franchise's all-time points leader.
"This fan base deserves greatness, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization, and city achieve that," Sundin said. "My love for the Maple Leafs and the city of Toronto is an important part of who I am and who I will always be. I look forward to working closely with John as we both recognize the incredible opportunity and responsibility to win here in Toronto."
Sundin will serve as a strategic adviser and provide support across hockey operations with a focus on team culture, player development, and leadership support, the Maple Leafs said.
Chayka became the youngest GM in NHL history when the Arizona Coyotes hired him at 26 years old in 2016. The Coyotes went 131-147-38 during his four seasons at the helm and made the playoffs once, though Chayka left his position before the postseason began.
The Coyotes organization said Chayka quit on the team by terminating his contract, while Chayka responded by criticizing the club's ownership.
"I'm focused on building a team that is competitive, driven, and relentless - one that is in the best position to win for our fans and for the city of Toronto," Chayka said.
In January 2021, the NHL suspended Chayka for a year for conduct detrimental to the league. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Chayka "breached his obligation to the club" by reportedly pursuing a job with the New Jersey Devils while still employed by the Coyotes, according to The Athletic. His new role with Toronto will be his first in the NHL since then.
The Coyotes were stripped of their 2020 second-round pick and 2021 first-round pick for violating the NHL's combine testing policy during the 2019-20 season under Chayka's watch.
Chayka has been working as CEO of JKC Capital and currently serves on the board of Wendy's Canada. He founded the hockey analytics firm Stathletes in 2010.
The Maple Leafs fired their previous GM, Brad Treliving, in March.
