Ex-Coyotes CEO Backs John Chayka Amid Criticism and Leafs Uncertainty
Chayka’s return to the NHL has not gone unnoticed, and the reaction has been divided since his hiring was announced on Sunday. Chayka became the Leafs’ 19th general manager, and MLSE has since paired him with franchise legend Mats Sundin in a new leadership structure.
While the move signals a shift toward a collaborative model, it has also raised concerns about accountability and direction. Things went sideways at Chayka’s unveiling after Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons told Pelley that he had polled 20 NHL executives, and only one had approved of Chayka’s hire.
“The other 19 thought it was a sham, to be perfectly honest. Words were used like ‘con artist, liar, salesman,’” Simmons said.
In response to Simmons doubling down on his story, former Coyotes boss Cohen, who worked closely with Chayka during his time in Arizona, pushed back strongly by writing:
“Hey Steve, I don’t know you or your ‘work’ until I was reminded you’re the fellow who went hard at [Auston Matthews’] minutes after he won an Olympic gold. You forgot to call me, but others didn’t. Guess the Maple Leafs did better [due diligence] than your ‘asking around’ sham, classless ‘journalism.’”
Cohen’s defense comes at a time when Toronto faces real uncertainty. The team finished the 2025–26 season with a 32–36–14 record and missed the playoffs, exposing issues across the roster.
Chayka now steps into a situation that requires quick evaluation and careful planning. The organization has roughly $22.2 million in projected cap space for the 2026–27 season, but long-term commitments to veteran players limit flexibility.
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However, the Leafs battled the odds to land the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, offering a chance to add a high-end prospect on an entry-level deal. His analytics-driven approach could also reshape how the team builds its roster, though it may need to align with head coach Craig Berube’s system.
For now, the focus remains on whether Chayka can turn support from former colleagues into results on the ice. By all accounts, team captain Auston Matthews will also be keeping a close eye on how the new GM goes about his business at the draft and in free agency.
