Chayka & Sundin’s Top Priorities as They Take Over Maple Leafs’ Front Office – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have announced their front office hirings of John Chayka and Mats Sundin, it’s time for them to get down to business and address some of their top priorities as they head into what could be the biggest offseason in franchise history.

There is a lot of scepticism about the hiring of Chayka given his past history with the Arizona Coyotes. However, at times during his tenure, he showed some promise when it came to making necessary moves and creating cap space, which are two of the most important things that will need to happen this summer. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at some of the top priorities for the front office.

Future of Matthews & Nylander

The biggest focus for this front office should be figuring out the future of Auston Matthews and William Nylander. If they are going to stay, the team needs to try and fulfil their asks for two puck-moving defencemen and some forwards with bite. That part feels pretty non-negotiable. The puck-moving blue liners speak for themselves. They need them, badly. It would help with zone exits, clean things up offensively, and probably give the power play a bit of a boost too.

As for the players with bite, it’s just as important. After the lack of response from the team when Matthews went down on that knee-on-knee hit from Radko Gudas, it’s clear something is missing. They need players who can push back a bit and protect their top guys. And not in a Ryan Reaves way. More skilled players who can still play with an edge. Something closer to what they had with Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi.

They’re in desperate need of that. There’s plenty of skill on this roster, but not much pushback. That has to change. Former general manager Brad Treliving tried to address it, but leaned toward players like Reaves and even Michael Pezzetta. They can handle themselves, but they’re not giving you much offensively. If they go after players like Mason Marchment or even Michael Bunting, guys who won’t necessarily fight but won’t shy away either, it probably has a bigger impact. It might even shift the feel in the room a bit if the top guys know they’ve got some “dogs” around them.

Berube’s Future & Goaltending Decisions

Outside of that, there are a few other things that need to be addressed. It starts with what to do with Morgan Rielly. His time with the Maple Leafs feels like it might be coming to an end, and he’s acknowledged that. Moving the contract won’t be easy, but it probably has to happen. If Chayka wants to win over the fan base early, this is one he’ll have to figure out.

There are also decisions to be made with head coach Craig Berube. A lot of people expect him to be back, but it wouldn’t hurt to at least look at other options, or potential ones like Jon Cooper if he was to be fired by the Tampa Bay Lightning, before locking that in. Then there’s the goaltending situation. Right now, Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, and Dennis Hildeby are all in the mix. Hildeby needs waivers next season, which likely means he sticks. That leaves a decision between Woll and Stolarz, and based on how things went, Stolarz feels like the more likely one to move. He also has a contract in place, which could make things a bit easier if they explore a trade, maybe to a team like the Edmonton Oilers that still needs help in net.

Either way, Chayka and Sundin have a lot to sort through, and it starts now. Buckle up, Leafs Nation, this could be a pretty interesting summer.