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We’ve known the names for a while: Mats Sundin and John Chayka. But some people around the game still refuse to believe that a former player (a great guy, admittedly) and a young executive, whose last act in the NHL five years ago was getting suspended by the league, would be the new Toronto Maple Leafs front office duo.

But we are here.

The Leafs are officially announcing Sunday that Sundin and Chayka have been hired to run their front office. Sundin’s role will come with the title of Senior Executive Advisor, Hockey Operations. Chaika will be the general manager.

Friedman said it is a full-time commitment for Sundin. He would move his family from Sweden to Toronto.

As far as the composition of the pair is concerned, he says the goal would be to have the two unite publicly. But he adds that “there needs to be someone who has the final say and reports directly to MSLE President and CEO Keith Pelley. That’s Chayka. The position the organization advertised in its interview process was ‘Chief of Hockey Operations,’ and Chayka will be that.”

The move is already being ridiculed in some circles of the game. Sundin has zero front office experience in the NHL, while Chayka was the youngest GM in league history in 2016 when he was hired by the Arizona Coyotes. He left the team after four years under controversial circumstances. He was ultimately suspended for one year by the NHL for “engaging in conduct detrimental to the league and breaching his fiduciary duty to the club”. That conduct included illegal scouting practices, including watching prospects separately from the NHL Combine.

Athletic beat writer Jonas Siegel said he found it “hard to understand what they’re doing.”

TeaThe managerial situation at Ottenham Hotspur is soon back in uncertainty. Igor Tudor’s tenure only lasted a few days, and Spurs are looking for direction again while trying to avoid relegation trouble.

The urgency surrounding the club has led to extensive scrutiny of potential managers. Names have come forward from across Europe and beyond. Among them, Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has been pushed back into talks.

However, reports from Brazil now offer two completely different versions of events.

Conflicting views from Brazil

Latest claims of journalist this week diego firmino There are suggestions that Tottenham have renewed their interest in Abel Ferreira following Tudor’s exit.

The report adds that Spurs have launched a new investigation to understand the coach’s current situation, although no formal proposal has been submitted.

That version paints a picture of an active search.

espn brazilHowever, provide important context that changes the story significantly.

According to his information, Tottenham have no longer had contact with Abel Ferreira. This took place in February, before Tudor’s appointment. In that state, As we covered at the timeSpurs were already looking for emergency options as pressure loomed around their season.

This proposal was short-lived. Tottenham wanted to know whether Abel would be willing to take charge until the end of the European season, effectively a contract of around four months.

Abel’s representatives rejected the idea outright. Negotiations never started, financial terms were never discussed and the approach never even reached Palmeiras. Importantly, ESPN says there have been no new contacts since then.

The context behind the rejection

When we look at Abel Ferreira’s current situation, his stance becomes clear.

He is under contract at Palmeiras until December 2027 and remains the centerpiece of a stable, long-term project. Brazilian clubs continue to compete at the top level domestically and in South America, offering conditions that are difficult to match in a short-term European role.

Their salary is another factor. Abel earns around €650,000 (£560,000) per month, placing him among the highest-paid managers outside Europe’s elite. That level of income reduces the appeal of temporary opportunities abroad.

More importantly, their career decisions are not driven solely by finances. Abel emphasizes structure, planning, and organizational stability. Tottenham, in their current state, do not provide that environment.

A four-month contract, in the midst of a demotion battle, offers little alignment with his priorities.

What’s next for Tottenham?

Tottenham are now expected to move in a different direction. Roberto De Zerbi is widely seen as the leading option as Spurs consider a long-term appointment.

Against that backdrop, Abel Ferreira’s renewed links appear to stem from recycled information rather than fresh developments. A report suggests a new investigation. Another explained that the only contact came earlier in the season and was immediately rejected.

He discovered Abel Ferreira as a possible solution. He was rejected without hesitation. Since then, there has been no clear indication that they have returned with any new approach.

As Spurs look to stabilize both on and off the pitch, their next move is likely to reflect that reality rather than looking at the door firmly closed again.