Jay Rosehill did not hold back when he shared his reaction to the Toronto Maple Leafs hiring John Chayka and Mats Sundin. The former NHL forward-turned-analyst questioned MLSE’s decision, particularly with Chayka as general manager, and what the future could look like.
Chayka’s tenure with the Arizona Coyotes made his hiring . However, he admitted he was too young for such an important role and said he has learned from his mistakes. Meanwhile, Sundin will serve as senior executive advisor and will help guide major decisions.
Rosehill believes MLSE settled on Chayka for Maple Leafs general manager because he aligns with the organization’s mindset towards roster construction. Despite his past controversy, the former Coyotes GM was a cheaper option than other candidates linked to the job.
“[Chayka’s] got a checkered past as far as trying to find positives and understand why he was the guy for the job. The pool wasn’t as heavy as it has been in the past as far as availability of a lot of people that check a lot of boxes,” Rosehill told The Game Plan. “I can’t look at his history or what he’s done that would lead to believe they were unable to say no. And people are starting to wonder if money was a factor.”
Jay Rosehill Expected Mats Sundin to Have More Important Role with Maple Leafs
Jay Rosehill also shared his thoughts on Mats Sundin joining the Maple Leafs and expressed disappointment with his role. The Leafs Morning Take co-host noted that Sundin is synonymous with the organization.
Rosehill questioned how much authority Sundin could have, particularly with free agency and trades.
“I thought [Sundin] was going to be at the top. Maybe a vice president and kind of have the final say and report to [Keith] Pelley,” Rosehill told The Game Plan. “Is he going to be making any of the phone calls to other general managers? Will his opinion be weighed heavily when it comes to serious decision making, whether it’s the draft or free agency or trades and contracts?”
He added:
“How much autonomy is he going to have as far as putting his mark in any way, shape or form on this team? Or us he just kind of a figurehead that’s going to go around and talk to the players?”
Is Craig Berube’s Job as Leafs Head Coach in Jeopardy?
Following the hires of Chayka and Sundin, attention shifted to the roster and Craig Berube‘s future as head coach. He was reportedly on the hot seat throughout the season, but management did not relieve him of his duties.
Now with a new regime in place, it will be interesting to see whether Berube’s philosophy aligns with management’s vision. The former NHL forward-turned-analyst pointed to the Leafs’ underwhelming performance and said he is not confident things will change.
“[The Leafs] weren’t playing very hard for him this season. I mean, that was the most uninspiring season of hockey that I think I’ve watched. They were flat, emotionless, [and] heartless,” Rosehill told The Game Plan. “People have their reservations about the players in that locker room being able to play the style he wants to play.”
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