John Chayka speaks to Toronto fans for the first time and this is the moment that defines his entire tenure
Photo credit: David Wallace, The Arizona Republic
It's John Chayka's first time speaking to the Toronto Maple Leafs fans and he has a lot to answer for, and will determine his legacy starting from day one.
Though he's been out of the loop for six years, John Chayka is now Head of Hockey Operations and GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Is it the right call? Only time will tell, and Monday's press conference is the first step in re-establishing fan trust.
Chayka has come from a controversial past and no doubt there are going to be more than a few questions about his past that need to be answered, however there's also a few he needs to answer about the present.
And Monday is the best chance to set the record straight.
Chayka will face three questions he cannot avoid and how he answers them defines his entire relationship with Toronto
Well, let's just get the previous stuff over with because it's something that is going to be discussed. Chayka has to come clean and admit that while he was trying to get the biggest advantages as possible — his ambition got the better of him.
You don't forfeit a draft pick, leave before the playoffs, and also try and look for a new job while you're still employed elsewhere (as President and GM no less). So just stating that he messed up, learned from the mistakes he made and is ready to make amends; it's the best we can hope for.
But now come the next two questions: Is Craig Berube the head coach or not, and is Auston Matthews going to have the support he needs?
The first is easier than the second to answer, as there's genuine data behind the fact that Berube can't coach this current team. It feels like no matter who they bring in, the style won't mesh with the stars and unless they find a way to get Mitch Marner back...it's a coaching change.
Just be honest and say you respect what Berube has done, but the team is trying to move in a more modern and analytical direction. There's nothing wrong with that, but it necessitates a new bench boss and starting the search Monday is a great way to prove to both fans and Matthews that they're serious.
Speaking of the captain, Matthews has been vocal about the new management team needing to prove they are serious about building around him and give him the best chance to win a Cup — so Chayka has to be honest with him too.
Tell him what the plan is, ask him how they can best maximize his skillset, and just work with the guy who is leading your team; it's not that hard.
Sundin beside Chayka changes everything about how that room feels before either man says a word
The hope here is that Sundin can bring Chayka down a peg or two and provide some guidance when it comes to bringing in the right people for the culture. Numbers are great, but if you have guys who aren't as passionate and may only be in it for a cheque then it's a red flag.
Sundin, for as reserved and stoic as he can be at times is also a master at avoiding the notorious Toronto media. He spent 13 years doing it, so if there's a guy who knows how to navigate them, it's the former captain.
Both men are going to be walking into that press conference with a lot of confidence but also anxiety. They are looking to prove that Pelley didn't make the same mistake twice, and that this wild-card pairing while a bit surreal — can be successful.
They have everything to gain, but also everything to lose if they don't do or say the right things.
They'll have one hour to impress Toronto.
Good luck.
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