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

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

Matthews, who remains under contract through 2027-28 at a $13.25 million AAV, was notably noncommittal in his end-of-season availability this past week. Understandably, without a GM or President in place, there wasn’t much he could offer in terms of certainty about his future. With only two years remaining before he could walk, the next GM must either build a contender fast enough to keep Matthews fully invested or trade him.

Of the early candidates, which direction might each lean?

Mike Gillis: The Experienced Architect

One of the early candidates is former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis. Now 67, Gillis has resurfaced after years in the background, and both sides are reportedly intrigued by how he might fit in Toronto.

Gillis has shown he can construct a contender around elite talent, most notably the Sedin twins in Vancouver. It’s logical to assume he’d like to reshape the Maple Leafs with Matthews in the fold. Gillis is not a yes man, which might be refreshing for Matthews. That said, his approach aligns with MLSE’s stated desire for evidence-based, data-driven decision-making.

Under Gillis, the most likely path forward is an “aggressive retool” rather than a teardown. There is also speculation that pairing Gillis with a respected figure, such as Mats Sundin, in a high-level advisory role could win back the fan base to what the Leafs are doing. That could ease a bit of the pressure on the Maple Leafs’ captain.

Chris Pronger: The No Nonsense Hire

Hall of Famer Chris Pronger has also interviewed for the position, and if selected, expect a no-nonsense approach both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Known for his blunt assessments of the Leafs’ shortcomings, Pronger has already publicly hinted at how he might deal with the 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 superstar to get on board or let the team move on.

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

Pronger’s directness could either galvanize a roster or create tension. That said, there will be no confusion about where things stand. It puts the ball in Matthews’ court, which gives the Maple Leafs a clear path to follow.

Brandon Pridham: The GM Matthews Knows

Internally, Brandon Pridham remains a legitimate candidate. This would be a data-driven hire, chosen for his familiarity with the organization, specifically Matthews.

A long-time Leafs executive, Pridham is widely respected across the league for his salary-cap expertise and analytical approach. He checks the boxes for Keith Pelley, and if Matthews is somewhat resistant to significant change, a Pridham hire addresses that too.

Promoting him would be about providing Matthews and the core players who are staying some continuity during a summer of significant change. It’s one thing to move out pieces and take a new direction, but if literally everything is different, it’s a lot to ask of the leadership to quickly adjust.

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