Toronto Maple Leafs
· 2026-07-10
Toronto Maple Leafs' Hayley Wickenheiser is leaving the team after eight seasons, having joined in 2018 as assistant director of player development.
Wickenheiser announced her departure on social media, stating she had discussions with John Chayka about her role, but they envisioned a different path.
She was promoted to senior director of player development in 2021 and assistant general manager in 2022.
Wickenheiser's departure leaves a big hole, as she was a key figure in the team's front office, and her exit comes as the team is on a L7 streak.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-36 record.
The team will face the Montreal Canadiens on September 19, 2026, and it is unclear if they will replace Wickenheiser in the front office.
Wickenheiser, a medical doctor, won four Olympic Gold Medals for Team Canada and was a member of the women's national hockey team for 23 years.
She scored 168 goals and 211 assists in 276 games, and was team captain in 2010 when Team Canada won gold in Vancouver.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' new GM John Chayka has been making changes, firing several long-tenured members of the team's front office.
Wickenheiser wasn't fired, but she decided to step away from the team after it became clear she and Chayka did not have the same vision.
As a medical doctor, Wickenheiser has an amazing career to fall back on, but it's unclear if she'll catch on with another NHL team.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will look to move forward with their new front office, and Wickenheiser's departure will be felt.
But with Chayka at the helm, the team is looking to make changes and improve their standing in the Eastern Conference.
The next game against the Montreal Canadiens will be a big test for the team, and they'll look to break their L7 streak.