Which GM Will Reshape the Leafs—and Keep Auston Matthews? – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ search for a new general manager continues as the organization looks for the right fit: a leader who can get the team back on track, but also convince captain Auston Matthews that staying the course is the right decision.

Matthews, who is under contract through 2027-28 at an AAV of $13.25 million, was non-committal about his offseason availability this past week. It goes without saying that without a GM or President in place, there isn’t much he could offer in terms of certainty about his future. With only two years left before he can leave, the next GM must build a contender quickly enough to keep Matthews fully invested or trade him.

For the first candidates, what is the indicator that each one might lean on?

Mike Gillis: Experienced Architect

One of the first candidates is Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis. Now 67, Gillis has resurfaced after years behind bars, and both sides are reportedly wondering how he might fit in Toronto.

Gillis has shown that he can build a contender around elite talent, especially the Sedin twins in Vancouver. It makes sense to think he would like to reshape the Maple Leafs with Matthews in the fold. Gillis is not a yes man, which may please Matthews. That said, his approach is consistent with MLSE’s stated desire for evidence-based, data-driven decision-making.

Under Gillis, the most likely way forward is “aggressive tooling” instead of deregulation. There is also speculation that pairing Gillis with a respected figure, such as Mats Sundin, in a high-level advisory role could bring fans back to what the Leafs are doing. That might take some of the pressure off the Maple Leafs captain.

Chris Pronger: Nonsense Hire

Hall of Famer Chris Pronger has also discussed the position, and if selected, expect a no-nonsense approach both behind and in front of the camera. Known for his blunt assessment of the Leafs’ shortcomings, Pronger has already publicly laid out how he would deal with Matthews’ situation in Toronto.

At the very least, it sounds like he’s willing to hold Matthews to the fire after laying out the game plan, forcing the champion to either board or allow the team to continue.

Pronger will probably manage the same way he played the game. He will be feared, but respected. Pronger commands respect quickly, and his leadership style will win Matthews over quickly or send him running for a fresh start elsewhere.

Pronger’s direction could strengthen the roster or create tension. That said, there will be no confusion as to where things stand. It puts the ball in Matthews’ court, giving the Maple Leafs a clear path to follow.

Brandon Pridham: GM Matthews Knows

Inside, Brandon Pridham is still a legitimate candidate. This would be a data-driven hire, chosen for his familiarity with the organization, particularly Matthews.

A longtime Leafs executive, Pridham is well-respected around the league for his salary expertise and analytical approach. Keith Pelley checks the boxes, and if Matthews is somewhat resistant to significant change, Pridham’s hiring speaks to that.

Promoting him will be about providing Matthews and key players with continuity during a summer of big change. It’s one thing to pull out the pieces and take a new approach, but if everything really is different, it’s a lot to ask of the leadership to fix it quickly.

Pridham will keep Matthews if it makes financial sense. He’ll check the market, see what’s available if the Leafs were willing to make a trade, and only do it if the move makes sense for the salary.