As of Saturday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not yet asked anyone for permission to speak with candidates in their search for a new GM. Still, there is plenty of speculation about whom the Leafs and MLSE President, Keith Pelley, might want to talk to when the search for a new GM begins.
Some names are predictable. For example, Doug Armstrong, out of St. Louis, is a name that has been linked to the Leafs for some time. However, he can’t just up and leave without permission as he’s still under contract. Other well-known names will get attention as well. Brandon Pridham, who is already with the Maple Leafs, is another.
But what about the names we’re hearing that aren’t obvious choices?
Mike Gillis
The former Vancouver Canucks GM/president (2008–2014), Mike Gillis is suddenly being talked about again. Following his stint with the Canucks, Gillis wasn’t seen or heard from much, but he was around. He worked at the University of Victoria from 2021-2023, then took on a job with the NHL as a consultant for the NHLPA.
Related: Maple Leafs Talking Big Blue Line Trade Despite No GM
Elliotte Friedman brought Gillis up in a recent report, saying, “One of the names that is kind of floating around because they’re interested in what he did in past job, I think potentially is Mike Gillis.” He added, “That’s a name that they have kind of look at, I can see why. He took a team that was really struggling and took them to the edge of the Stanley Cup Final. I don’t know if it’s going to be Mike Gillis but he’s the kind of person they’ve been looking at, so far.”
A former lawyer and agent, he thought outside the box and had success with the Canucks. The Leafs seem to be looking for a more radical thinker, but one with experience. Still, he’s not the first to come to mind because he hasn’t held a top NHL front-office role since being fired by the Canucks in 2014.
Chris Pronger
A Hall of Fame defenseman, who has become a popular voice in the hockey and speaking world, Chris Pronger is garnering some unexpected attention as a possible candidate for the Leafs. Nick Kypreos hinted recently that there has been contact between the two about a potential role within the organization.
He’s a Stanley Cup winner and an obvious leader who values culture and personal growth. He was also one of the most intimidating players of his era. If culture is being valued over front-office experience, Pronger could get a long look.
He does have some experience with the Florida Panthers and Philadelphia Flyers, so it wouldn’t be a completely new gig for him. And, of all the executives who might be able to handle the pressure of being in the Toronto market, Pronger seems like someone who would be the least phased.
Sunny Mehta
Sunny Mehta is a name many Leafs fans won’t recognize. He is the Assistant GM of the Florida Panthers and a key architect behind their recent success, including two Stanley Cup Final championships.
Friedman mentioned him recently, saying on Saturday’s Headlines that he is hearing Mehta might be a serious candidate. He noted, “It doesn’t seem like the timing is right with the Maple Leafs and Doug Armstrong,” however, one name expected to be interviewed is Sunny Mehta.”
With a non-traditional background in data science, he represents a modern, analytics-driven approach. Keith Pelley said the ideal candidate would take a data-centric approach. Mehta has been heavily involved in contracts, analytics, and team-building under Bill Zito.
He’s a surprising but intriguing candidate for the Toronto Maple Leafs GM role.
