The Toronto Maple Leafs have continued to restructure their front office, with several key personnel departing the organization. Among those no longer with the team are assistant general managers Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser and Darryl Metcalf. These changes are part of an ongoing evaluation by general manager John Chayka, who has also been active in reshaping the team’s roster.
Hayley Wickenheiser, who oversaw player development, confirmed her departure via Instagram. She stated that while she expected to maintain a significant role, discussions with Chayka indicated a different direction for the leadership group. Wickenheiser joined the Maple Leafs in 2018 as assistant director of player development and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2022. She recently concluded running the club’s development camp.
Darryl Metcalf, who was responsible for hockey research and development, also departed. Metcalf had been with the Maple Leafs since 2014 and was instrumental in establishing the club’s analytics department, holding his assistant general manager position since 2022. Other individuals let go include Mark Leach, director of amateur scouting, and Dave Morrison, senior advisor of player personnel.
Morrison had a long tenure with the Maple Leafs, joining in 2004 as an amateur scout and later serving as director of amateur scouting and director of pro scouting. Leach was hired two years ago under former general manager Brad Treliving. The team’s website no longer lists these individuals, nor does it include director of player development Danielle Goyette, four members of the research and development department—including director of hockey systems Wesley Waldner, analyst Bruce Peter, and developers Andrew Low and Cameron Farquharson—and player development department members Joe Underwood and Michele Moore Davison.
In a statement released by the team, Chayka acknowledged the difficult decisions, stating they were not a reflection of the commitment of those impacted. He expressed gratitude for their contributions and wished them well. These recent departures follow earlier changes since Chayka and Mats Sundin were hired in May, which included the exits of assistant general manager Brandon Pridham, assistant general manager of player personnel Derek Clancey, and special advisor Shane Doan.
New Appointments and Coaching Changes
Amidst the departures, Chayka has also made new hires to the front office. These include Judd Brackett as assistant general manager of player evaluation and Freddie Hamilton as chief of staff. Brackett’s role was highlighted when he, rather than Leach, spoke to the media after the draft, a task Leach had handled at the scouting combine three weeks prior.
On the coaching front, Jim Hiller was hired as the Maple Leafs’ new head coach following a five-week search after Craig Berube was fired. The coaching staff under Hiller has also seen changes, with Daniel Alfredsson, John Gruden, and Brad Werenka joining the team this week. Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde will not be returning to the coaching staff.
Additionally, Steve Sullivan has been announced as the new coach of the Toronto Marlies, taking over from John Gruden, who was promoted to the Maple Leafs’ coaching staff. Sullivan had previously been promoted to the Maple Leafs’ coaching staff from the Marlies in December when Marc Savard was fired.
Roster Adjustments
Beyond the front office and coaching staff, Chayka has also made significant changes to the on-ice roster. Notable acquisitions include star defenceman Darren Raddysh, obtained in a sign-and-trade deal from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, signed in free agency. The team also drafted Gavin McKenna first overall. Chayka has also focused on rebuilding the team’s bottom six forward group.
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Source: torontosun.com
