John Chayka on the importance of selling Auston Matthews on a winning vision in Toronto: "I just came from an organization where we spent our entire existence looking for that exact player"

"Being the General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs carries an enormous obligation to the team, the community, the alumni, our players, our partners, and the millions of fans across the world. I don't say that in an abstract way. I've witnessed it and lived it since I was a kid."

"Great teams beat talented teams, but great organizations beat great teams. That is the standard that we must meet at every level of the organization."

"I understand there will be lots of questions about my path, my time away from the game, and my time in Arizona. That experience shaped me. It required creativity, discipline, and resilience."

John Chayka, the new General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, expresses his deep connection to the franchise and the community. He acknowledges the challenges ahead and emphasizes the importance of building a strong organization. Chayka reflects on his past experiences, including his controversial exit from Arizona, and highlights the lessons learned from both successes and mistakes. He is committed to delivering results and understands the significance of the team to its fans and the broader community.

Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove