NHL Rumour Roundup: Who is still in the running to be Maple Leafs GM?
As we approach the one-month mark since the Toronto Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving, anticipation around who they will hire next has only grown.
www.sportsnet.caDirect answer: Leafs GM candidates are widely reported to include Evan Gold and Ryan Martin as finalists, with other names like John Chayka still in the mix; several insider reports in early to mid April pointed to a narrowing search and potential in-person interviews, but the team had not publicly confirmed a final decision as of late April 2026.[2][3][5]
Context and highlights
- Reports in mid-April indicated the Leafs had whittled the field to a small group, with two confirmed finalists (Evan Gold, Ryan Martin) and a possible third, per insider chatter.[3][2]
- Sportsnet’s updates around April 23 suggested Friedman’s latest pod had the group as Ryan Martin, Scott White, and possibly John Chayka as a core trio, with in-person interviews and a potential final phase discussed.[5]
- Additional outlets throughout April echoed the theme that Hayley Wickenheiser was discussed internally and could be a surprising candidate, though this remained speculation and not a formal announcement.[1]
What to watch next
- Look for an official Toronto Maple Leafs press release or a statement from owner Edward Rogers confirming the new GM and outlining the role’s scope. If you want, I can monitor reliable outlets and summarize any official confirmation as soon as it’s published.
- If you’re tracking the candidates, a short list commonly cited includes Evan Gold (Bruins), Ryan Martin (Rangers), John Chayka (former Coyotes executive), and occasional mentions of Hayley Wickenheiser as an internal candidate.[1][2][5]
Would you like me to pull the very latest updates from current outlets and compile a concise, dated timeline of the Leafs’ GM search milestones? I can also add a quick comparison of the top contenders’ backgrounds.[5]