Toronto Maple Leafs fans, meet your new general manager.

On Sunday, John Chayka was named the 19th GM in Leafs franchise history. In a video posted by the Maple Leafs on Monday morning, Toronto’s new GM spoke directly to fans for the first time. Originally from southwestern Ontario, Chayka spoke about how much this opportunity means and the challenges ahead.

“I’d like to say, Leafs Nation, I know how it feels,” he said. “Because I am one of you. You know, that matters to me. I know that this is a long wait, and it’s been painful in a lot of ways, and it’s my job to build something that delivers on that wait. It’s not going to be easy. I know there’s going to be lots of criticism, lots of passionate debate. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think hockey’s better with tradition. I think hockey’s better with passion. Hockey’s better with fans that care. And it’s our job to go out and deliver for you.”

In a second video, Chayka discussed his vision for how he’d like to build the team moving forward. Aiming to put together a group that “can win in a lot of different ways,” he touched on the mix of necessary skill and complimentary pieces.

“Obviously there’s core principles of building the foundation of a team,” Chayka said. “Being able to build the team from the back end, having elite goaltending. The way you break the puck out, the way you move through the neutral zone. Creating chances at the net, defending your net. Those are the principles. I think the attributes around that really depend on the players you have. Every Stanley Cup team is going to have very few holes. So, having that blend of skill, skating, puck mobility. But also having the heaviness, the tenacity, the resilience. If you’re going to win at the highest level, you have to have it all. And so, it’s my job to put that together.”

Chayka added that he feels confident the pieces are there to build that winning group.

“But I want to be very clear on one thing, I think we have some of the best players in the world that wear this jersey right now,” he continued. “They have a lot of pride. And it’s my job to put in place the structure to support them, and to give them the chance to reach their ultimate goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

Later in the day, Chayka held his first press conference as GM, speaking about plans for the team alongside MLSE CEO Keith Pelley and new senior executive advisor Mats Sundin.