One of the finalists for the vacant general manager job for the Toronto Maple Leafs has broken his silence on the interview process.
Mike Futa, the former assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Kings who is now a radio host on Sportsnet’s FAN Hockey Show, revealed that he was one of the three finalists for the vacant GM job with the Maple Leafs. The other two finalists for the job are former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka and Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White. The latest reports suggest that Chayka is the frontrunner to become the new Maple Leafs GM, with franchise legend Mats Sundin the team president.
Speaking on his radio show, Futa said he was one of the three finalists, but ultimately admitted he fell short of getting the job.
Mike Futa Breaks His Silence
On the show, Futa described how his job interview with the Maple Leafs came about.
“I was asked to interview for the Leafs general manager position … went through the process, did the Zoom call. It was very positive. Growing up a Leaf fan, it was one of the most humbling experiences to be even included,” Futa said, while confirming the interview process lasted several weeks and culminated with a face-to-face meeting.
While Futa hoped the Maple Leafs would give him the job, ultimately, the team chose to go in another direction, as it appears they are choosing between Chayka and White, with Chayka the leading horse in the race to get the GM gig.
“I got a call … just saying that respectfully, great job, we’re going in another direction. I wish them all the best. It was an incredible process,” Futa said.
A 58-year-old Toronto native, Futa worked in the Kings’ front office for 13 seasons, including winning two Stanley Cup rings with the organization. He last worked in the NHL in 2021-22 as a senior consultant for the Carolina Hurricanes, and he has been working in the media ever since then.
Futa spoke about the interview process after Nick Alberga of the “Leafs Morning Take” podcast first revealed the news on X.
Where the Maple Leafs Stand at GM
The Maple Leafs have yet to announce who they are hiring as the team’s next GM, but all signs are pointing to Chayka getting the role. Just 36 years old, Chayka is an analytics darling who has reportedly wowed MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley in interviews for the job. Although Chayka’s previous job in the NHL with the Coyotes didn’t end up the way anyone hoped, as he abruptly resigned from the job in 2020 after just over four years at the helm, he is still a very smart hockey mind who, the Maple Leafs hope, has learned from his mistakes.
The Maple Leafs are also hoping that, with Sundin as the team president, there will be enough checks and balances in place to help turn the team back into a contender after becoming a laughingstock of the league this year. After making the playoffs for nine straight years, the Maple Leafs missed the postseason this year for the first time in a decade, costing former GM Brad Treliving his job, and potentially head coach Craig Berube’s as well, depending on what the new GM wants to do.
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