What's next for Leafs GM John Chayka in NHL draft aftermath

Дата публикации: 27-06-2026 23:14:27

Free agency is coming up July 1, with contracts for players and staff to be decided before Toronto's new hockey office takes a break

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John Chayka’s off-season didn’t end when the 10th and final Maple Leaf pick was announced in the marathon two-day draft and he’d dealt Brandon Carlo to St. Louis.

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The general manager moved from one large to-do list to another pile:

What’s the UFA forecast

Shopping opens Wednesday and though proactive in heading off defenceman Darren Raddysh before he went to market, it behooves Chayka, who runs a team that finished last in its division, to be near the front of the tire-kicking line.

“We’re trying to make the team better and that’s an avenue for us,” Chayka said. “We created more flexibility today (the savings on Carlo’s contract getting cap space up to just over $22 million US). It’s a balance and we have to be disciplined to help the team short and long term, Darren being an example. We thought the pick was worth it to secure the player (in a sign-and-trade with Tampa Bay).

“There are players we like and needs we have. We’ll be aggressive, but also make sure we’re not doing anything to hurt the future.”

Big ticket UFAs from the goal out are Sergei Bobrovsky, defenceman Rasmus Andersson, forwards Anthony Mantha, Mason Marchment and Boone Jenner. Chayka hinted at aiming lower.

“It’s depth (that’s desired), we have a few holes, see if we can round out the roster. There are bigger swings we’ll take, but ultimately it’s a two-sided marketplace and smart agents are trying to maximize the value of their players.

We will find out on Friday how serious the Florida Panthers are about trading goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky to a contending team before the NHL deadline. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty Images

The Bobrovsky angle is intriguing, possibly reuniting Florida’s 37-year-old Stanley Cup winner with his former back-up, Anthony Stolarz. But as Chayka noted ”we have an interesting goalie pipeline” (Stolarz, Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov). Part of it is the young guys and what they’ve shown.

“Anthony has been a top goalie, but health and durability have been the question. But I’m not sure that’s going to be any different with another goalie we bring in. It’s a key position and if we have a chance to make it better, we’ll do that.”

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Restricted zone

The Leafs have four restricted free agents to sign if desired, beginning with defenceman Emil Andrae, the puck mobility defender acquired in the Joseph Woll trade with Philadelphia. Streaky young scorer Nick Robertson, Jacob Quillan and Mattias Maccelli also must be qualified.

“No decisions there, but certainly retaining the rights is important,” Chayka said.

Maple Leafs’ Nick Robertson in action against the Washington Capitals, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Washington. Photo by Nick Wass /THE ASSOCIATED PRESSStaff hirings

It will be interesting to see what happens in the Leafs scouting and player development departments this summer now that the draft is through.

Chayka came in a little late to make staff changes to what predecessors Brad Treliving and Kyle Dubas had in place. Judd Brackett, Chayka’s new assistant general manager for player evaluation, gave the traditional post-draft analysis Saturday, not director of amateur scouting Mark Leach.

Chayka gave a vague answer to a report that assistant coach Mike Van Ryn is not returning.

“Mike has done a good job here for awhile, it’s possible he’s with the organization in another role. I’ve leave that with (new coach Jim Hiller) in terms of how he puts his staff together. We collaborate on some things, but ultimately it will be his decision.”

Read More

1. 

   Why Leafs GM John Chayka travelled to Yukon to meet McKenna family

2. 

   Taking at look at Maple Leafs' picks on Day 2 of NHL draft

3. 

   Why Gavin McKenna will have a strong support group with Maple Leafs

Kid’s stuff

Development camp, with prospects and Toronto’s 2026 picks, including Gavin McKenna, will be underway in Toronto in a couple of days with on-ice sessions later in the week.

“The scouts and development folks will have collaborated on that (roster), but usually that’s been set for months,” Chayka said.

Lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby

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