As I wrote about last week, Toronto is considering the addition of Mats Sundin to the organization, in a newly-created advisory role. Simultaneously, they are looking to fill the vacant role of general manager, and possibly a hockey ops president. Their focus on the latter task has narrowed considerably.
After an extensive search, former Vancouver General Manager Mike Gillis (with the Canucks from 2008-2014) and current Leafs Assistant General Manager Brandon Pridham (2014-present) have emerged as top candidates for the job or jobs. Other candidates include current St. Louis President of Hockey Operations Doug Armstrong; former Arizona General Manager John Chayka; Assistant GMs Ryan Bowness (NYI), Ryan Martin (NYR), and Ryan Hardy (TOR); and Hall of Fame D-man Chris Pronger.
Armstrong is considered a very strong candidate for the position, but that is unlikely considering he currently is under contract with the Blues. Although he has given way to Alex Steen as the Blues’ General Manager, he remains the team’s Hockey Ops President.
Chayka also is viewed very favorably due to his analytics-heavy management approach, which the Leafs have identified as a must for their new hockey operations leader. However, both Pridham and Hardy, already in Toronto’s organization, are known to consistently use “data-centered” analyses as well.
Many reports indicate the new hire/hires will be in place by the end of the week.