Vinay Kumar
As the Toronto Maple Leafs are set for a major front-office transformation, they are reportedly planning to rope in franchise icon Mats Sundin and John Chayka for a potential leadership role to revive the struggling organization. Meanwhile, former Los Angeles Kings Assistant General Manager Mike Futa confirmed interviewing for the general manager position of the Maple Leafs team. According to reports, Futa revealed he went through multiple stages of the hiring process, including interviews followed by an in-person meeting. He described the experience as an honor, especially as someone who grew up supporting the TorontoMaple Leafs.
Mike Futa confirms interviewing for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ general manager position, but got rejected
The Toronto Maple Leafs could soon finish choosing their new front-office leaders during the NHL offseason to fill in the position of general manager or president before next week. The hiring decision could be completed very soon, possibly within the next few days, as a former executive of the LA Kings, Mike Futa, has confirmed that he was reportedly interviewed for the club’s general manager position.
According to reports, Mike Futa, who was a former assistant GM of the Los Angeles Kings, had a Zoom call specifically for the GM position, followed by a two-hour in-person interview. Futa took part in several interviews and meetings in person before finding out whether or not he was suited for the polarizing role.As for his experience with the Kings, Futa brought significant executive experience to the process as he spent 17 seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, helping to build two Stanley Cup-winning teams. Unfortunately, he also disclosed that on Tuesday, he was no longer part of the process. “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,” he said.Meanwhile, the development suggests Toronto is in the final stages of selecting its new leadership group, and the current frontrunners are believed to be franchise legend Mats Sundin and former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka. Latest reports suggest that the Maple Leafs are exploring a structure that would see Mats Sundin in a vice-president of hockey operations role, while John Chayka could handle general manager duties soon. With the NHL Draft Lottery approaching, Toronto is expected to finalize its front-office plans soon. If Sundin and Chayka are officially appointed, it would be a bold new direction for the franchise and its roster.
