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Maple Leafs Hire Controversial Ex-Coyotes GM John Chayka

5/5/2026

Summary

Chayka Hired Amid Scandal

MLSE CEO Keith Pelley announced on May 4 2026 that John Chayka will be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ general manager.
Steve Simmons reported that 19 of 20 sources called the hire a sham and described Chayka as a con artist, liar and salesman.
Chayka, the former Arizona Coyotes GM suspended in 2021 for conduct detrimental to the league, will work with senior executive adviser Mats Sundin.

Summary

Doan Departs

On May 4 2026, NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs will part ways with assistant general manager Shane Doan.
The decision follows the hiring of John Chayka and Mats Sundin and stems from Doan’s strained relationship with Chayka dating to their Arizona tenure.
Doan, a 1994 seventh-overall Winnipeg Jets pick, spent his playing career with the Jets and later held front-office positions with the Arizona Coyotes and Hockey Canada.

History

Historical Context

The May 3 2026 appointment of former Avalanche exec John Chayka, with former captain Mats Sundin as senior advisor, follows the Leafs’ 2015 hiring of Lou Lamoriello, a move that ended a ten-year front-office turnover and produced two playoff appearances. Lamoriello served three seasons (2015-2018) as GM, guiding the team to back-to-back playoff berths.

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Chayka Hired Amid Scandal

MLSE CEO Keith Pelley announced on May 4 2026 that John Chayka will be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ general manager.
Steve Simmons reported that 19 of 20 sources called the hire a sham and described Chayka as a con artist, liar and salesman.
Chayka, the former Arizona Coyotes GM suspended in 2021 for conduct detrimental to the league, will work with senior executive adviser Mats Sundin.

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