What Exactly is This “Sundin Decision” the Maple Leafs are Waiting On?

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be waiting on former NHLer and franchise icon Mats Sundin. As for what they’re waiting on, reports suggest they’ve offered him a substantial executive role and are hoping he accepts. If he does, it would then allow the team to move forward and build the rest of the management team around him.

What exactly is this position they’ve offered? That much isn’t known definitively, although it is suspected. Some reports suggest it’s more of an advisory role, one that doesn’t include much roster decision-making. Others believe that’s not the case at all and that Sundin would be right there at the top, making key decisions despite having no managerial experience.

What’s The Latest on the Sundin News?

Elliotte Friedman recently reported that the Maple Leafs are waiting for Sundin’s decision. If he says “yes,” the Leafs are expected to hire both him and former NHL general manager John Chayka.

Then, on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman expanded on his report, explaining why Toronto has targeted Sundin. The Maple Leafs’ legend takes great pride in being a former Leaf. He loves the team and the organization. He has talked about how much of a privilege it is to wear that jersey and has a strong desire to repair the damaged reputation the franchise has taken on over the past year.

How would he do that? Friedman believes the role offered is Vice President of Hockey Operations, and that the two sides are negotiating and working through what the role entails.

Nick Kypreos is also following the story and reported, “I’d heard whispers he has started looking for a house [in Toronto]… but as far as the job description goes, it’s still up for debate between him and Keith Pelley.”

What’s The Delay for Sundin?

Sundin’s inexperience as an NHL manager or hockey operations executive is likely one of the big hurdles. Logistically, it’s not an easy decision either.

First, he’s got to decide how involved he wants to be. As much as he sounds like a smart and opinionated student of the game, the role he’s likely discussing isn’t one he can take on part-time. He has to be all in for it to work.

Second, he’s got to move himself and his family from Sweden, which we can safely assume is a big ask. If they don’t all move, how would that affect him and his ability to work in Toronto as much as he would need to?

What Does It Mean That Chayka Is Involved Here?

If Friedman’s report is accurate, hiring Sundin also means hiring John Chayka. Whether that’s good or bad news remains to be seen.

At one time, he was the youngest general manager in NHL history, but his run in Arizona reeked of inexperience. It certainly wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. He’s an out-of-the-box thinker who could change a blueprint that hasn’t worked. At the same time, he stepped into trouble, getting a serious slap on the wrist for holding a private draft combine in 2021, and the NHL came down hard again after he explored other opportunities while still under contract.

The Coyotes ultimately terminated his contract, and it’s something the Maple Leafs shouldn’t overlook as they vet him for the job.

Ultimately, it sounds like the Maple Leafs have made up their mind, and this is the combination they’re hoping to hire. Now it’s about Sundin committing to the plan, then putting his own plan in place.