The Toronto Maple Leafs confirmed a few weeks worth of rumours on Sunday afternoon, announcing the hirings of Mats Sundin as senior executive advisor and John Chayka as general manager.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley released the following statement regarding the hirings.

“Today is an important day for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. I’m thrilled to welcome John and Mats to their roles, two great hockey minds that will strengthen our entire hockey club. From the start of this process, it’s been about building a championship-calibre team for our fans and our city and today is an important step towards that goal.”

Sundin, longtime captain and the current franchise leader in points for the Maple Leafs, joins the front office for his first managerial job in the NHL. According to the press release, Sundin will serve as a strategic advisor and provide support across hockey operations, ‘with a focus on team culture, player development and leadership support’.

“This fanbase deserves greatness and I am grateful for the opportunity to help this team, organization and city achieve that,” Sundin said in a statement. “My love for the Maple Leafs and the City of Toronto is an important part of who I am and who I will always be. I look forward to working closely with John as we both recognize the incredible opportunity and responsibility to win here in Toronto.”

Chayka returns to the NHL after serving as Arizona Coyotes general manager from 2016 to 2021, in which he made history as the youngest general manager in NHL history.

“I’m honoured to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and excited to work alongside Mats and the entire organization,” Chayka said in a statement. “This is one of hockey’s most historic franchises, with a passionate fan base who want to win. I’m focused on building a team that is competitive, driven and relentless – one that is in the best position to win for our fans and for the City of Toronto.”

The Maple Leafs will hold an official press conference at 1 pm on Monday.