Mats Sundin’s return to the Toronto Maple Leafs was met with much fanfare, excitement and some trepidation, as he takes on a new role as senior executive advisor to hockey operations. Sundin and general manager John Chayka were introduced to Toronto’s press corps on May 4, where the Hall of Fame forward outlined why he wanted to return to the Maple Leafs, during a period where the franchise needs a saviour.

Therein lies a new professional challenge: Sundin was a childhood hero of mine, and to any millennial era Leafs fan. His appointment was a high-risk, high-reward proposition for the Maple Leafs, and his individual legacy. There won’t be rosy glasses to view Sundin’s tenure, if he can’t steer the Leafs back onto the correct course. Chayka will be responsible for day-to-day operations, but the tandem will be viewed like a presidential ticket, with Sundin’s sterling name brand carrying tons of weight in this market.

Sundin was met with fawning glows from the press corps on May 4, and to a degree, it’s only natural. He’s convivial, intelligent, passionate, and always treats reporters and fans alike with respect. There’s some truth to the suggestion that Sundin was appointed in large part due to the fact that everyone’s on their best behaviour when he’s around. Sundin is coming back to the organization when the Maple Leafs underwent a 30-point year-over-year decline, where the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres appear poised to rule the near-future, and a pathway to contention appears murky. It’s certainly curious timing for Sundin to return, but he’s secure about his playing legacy. This is a new challenge in and of itself.

The honeymoon period for all intents and purposes, is over. Toronto’s new leadership team was extended a lifeline, winning the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, where the team is widely expected to select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick. McKenna is expected to galvanize a barren Leafs’ prospect pool, while immediately slotting in as a ready-made winger for Auston Matthews. It’s now incumbent upon Sundin and Chayka to use their institutional knowledge to insulate McKenna from the pressure of the market, while building a team that is ready to contend with the Atlantic upstarts. If Sundin fails in this task, he will be held to the fire, in a 24-7 hockey market. As a press corps collectively, we have to be immune to his numerable charms. And if he succeeds, we’ll be the first to lobby for the airport to be renamed after him, Lester B. Pearson had his time.

The upcoming season promises to be fascinating, with a new leadership group, a new face-of-the-franchise talent to cover on a Maple Leafs team that is looking to navigate its new direction. If Sundin brings the Maple Leafs back to glory, he’ll be the greatest hero in Toronto’s civic history, but if he falls short of the task, he will have to be covered with real candour. It should be a fun, personal endeavour to cover my all-time favourite athlete in a professional capacity, and we wish him well in this new journey.

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