Chayka says Maple Leafs aim to earn fan support

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said the team understands the expectations that come with working for one of hockey’s most followed franchises. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Chayka said the organization wants to rebuild trust with supporters after a disappointing season. Chayka and senior executive adviser Mats Sundin said they spent time meeting with players, coaches and staff to assess what should stay and what should change. The club then made major frontoffice and roster changes after missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. The article says Toronto hired Jim Hiller as head coach and added several players, while moving on from others in a broad reset. Chayka said the goal is longterm consistency, adding that the team must earn fans’ love through sustained results rather than shortterm success.