Keith Pelley has a type. The MLSE president isn't chasing big-name veterans like Doug Armstrong to fix the Toronto Maple Leafs; he's targeting experienced assistant general managers from well-run organizations who are ready for their first NHL GM job. It's a strategy that's worked elsewhere; Jim Nill, Julien BriseBois, and Mathieu Darche all cut their teeth as AGMs before running successful operations. Now four candidates have emerged as serious contenders to replace Brad Treliving.
Scott White, Dallas Stars AGM
White is a hockey lifer who's held nearly every rink job except mascot. The 58-year-old from Ormstown, Quebec, bounced around pro hockey's minor leagues as a defenseman in the early 1990s before transitioning to coaching. He worked his way up from assistant coach at Michigan Tech to head coach in the ECHL, eventually landing with the Dallas Stars organization in 2005.
White has been a fixture in Dallas's front office for 11 seasons, serving as AGM and GM of their AHL affiliate. He guided the 2014 Texas Stars to a Calder Cup and was tapped by Hockey Canada to manage the country's Spengler Cup squad that same year. He's paid his dues, literally working his way up from the minors, and his next step is to become an NHL general manager.
The Leafs already poached talent from Dallas in 2024 when Treliving hired Mark Leach to direct amateur scouting. With Jim Nill re-signed in Dallas, Pelley has turned his attention to Nill's right-hand man. White represents continuity with a winning organization; Dallas has been a model of consistency, balancing star talent with depth and playoff success.
Ryan Martin, New York Rangers Associate GM
Martin serves as associate GM for the Rangers and runs their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, which has made the playoffs twice since he took over in 2021. He's seen as next in line to Chris Drury, whose Rangers have preferred short-term retools over long-term rebuilds; a strategy that aligns with Pelley's suggestion that Toronto's "foundational pieces" are already in place.
The Connecticut native brings 20-plus seasons of scouting and front office experience, including involvement in player personnel for USA Hockey's improving national junior program. Martin got his NHL start with Ken Holland's group in Detroit, working with the Grand Rapids Griffins and guiding them to a Calder Cup in 2017. Before that, he worked as both a lawyer and a player agent with KO Sports.
Martin reportedly interviewed for the Nashville Predators' GM vacancy and has Drury's blessing to seek a promotion elsewhere. His blend of scouting, player development, and AHL success makes him an intriguing candidate for a Leafs team that needs to maximize its farm system while competing at the NHL level.
Evan Gold, Boston Bruins AGM
Are the Leafs tired of Boston taking from them? Do they want to swipe something back? Gold, who earned both his law and MBA degrees at the University of Toronto, is a candidate to return to his hometown after serving 11 seasons in the Bruins' front office.
The 46-year-old serves as Boston's AGM, director of legal affairs, and runs their AHL team in Providence. He advises GM Don Sweeney on day-to-day hockey operations and brings experience in pro scouting, arbitration cases, roster planning, contract negotiations, and cap compliance. Before joining the Bruins in 2015, Gold spent eight-plus seasons with the Washington Capitals, a job he earned through an internship that started with "licking envelopes."
Gold had an opportunity to work with the NBA's Washington Wizards but chose the Capitals because of his hockey fandom. That passion, combined with his legal expertise and ties to Toronto, makes him a compelling choice for a franchise that needs someone who can navigate complex contract situations and rebuild organizational culture.
John Chayka, Former Arizona Coyotes GM
Chayka is the only candidate with NHL GM experience. The 36-year-old Ontario native became the youngest GM in league history when Arizona appointed him at 26, in part due to his analytics expertise. The Coyotes went 131-147-38 under his guidance and clinched a playoff spot in his final season.
Chayka abruptly resigned in July 2020, terminating his contract early. He got into hot water with commissioner Gary Bettman for pursuing job opportunities with other teams without Arizona's permission and was running the club when it hosted a private scouting combine that led to forfeited draft picks in 2020 and 2021.
The data-centric Chayka has kept a low profile since running a dozen Wendy's franchises alongside wife Kathryn, but appears intrigued by a return. His analytics background aligns with Pelley's stated desire for a "data-driven" GM, but the baggage from his Arizona exit could be a red flag.
"There's been so much leaks or noise that there's some misdirection going here. I believe the plan was to bring Gillis in for another interview, but I don't think that's happened yet. So I don't know where that stands," -Elliot Friedman
Tags: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Search | Scott White | Ryan Martin | Evan Gold | John Chayka
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