OverDrive - OverDrive - May 6, 2026 - Hour 1 - John Chayka

Episode Date: May 6, 2026

Join Bryan Hayes, Jeff O'Neill and Jamie McLennan for Hour 1 on OverDrive! They discuss the Maple Leafs winning the NHL Draft Lottery, O-Dog wearing a ponytail for the draft, Gavin McKenna's as a potential suitor for the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens and Sabres in the second round. Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka joins to discuss his role with the Maple Leafs, the importance of analytics and the look of the roster.

This hour of overdrive is powered by Fanduil. Fan Duel, bringing you everything from the opening line to the final score. All right, here we go, overdrive, off and running. TSN 1050 on the TSN app, your home smart speaker, up on TSN4, up on YouTube, live. Brian Hayes, the O'Dog, Jeff O'Neill, Jamie Noodles, McClennan. Going on today. How we feel in this afternoon. All right.

A tight pony. Wow, that's a tight pony. I may be wrong, noodles, but that looks like an alumni jacket. It might be an alumni coat with a tight pony. Wow, is that a road white alumni jacket with a tight pony? Pay your respects to the airball manager. Wow. Tight pony, JP.

Dude, you look phenomenal with that hair. I'm not even joking. The whole show, he's got to wear that hair. I am. Okay. We got the GM of the I'm not taking the wig off for the interview. John Taker's going to be staring at you. I don't care.

I don't care. I love that. I'm not going to bluff it and act like I'm somebody. I'm not. We got to be serious. It's a big interview. The wig. The pink pony club.

Look at that tight pony on. And this is just a tribute to the guy that got the least the first pick. So is he unavailable? That's the thing. So here's what happened. All right. If you're not familiar with this, for whatever reason, I don't know if you've been living under a rock the last 24 hours.

The Maple Leafs won the lottery last night. Yes. And at the studio with ESPN, John Bucigros is running the whole operation. And Gary Bettman's there, and Gary's holding a briefcase, which was kind of strange. And some guy comes out of nowhere with, there he is, with an unbelievable ponytail. And a Nintendo switch in his hand. And Nintendo Switch. And he fires up a leaf lottery win.

And there's Matt Sundee. debted to that man. Yes. And I believe his name was Alex DeLuca. Dugge has spent all day calling law firms in New York, calling the NHL, ESPN, and... Can't get a hold of him. Apparently he's not available.

He's tied up. What is he doing, running another lottery in the middle of the day? He's basically every day trains for next year's lottery. Right? He's like, happy Gilmore, 365 days until next year's lottery. I really want to know this guy's story now. Like, if

piece from the mail room and they're like, hey, put a suit on and come and stand here with that. Dude, you and a tight pony and a road white alumni jacket is just a phenomenal look. Like, it's really a classy look. But I'm sorry, we're going to have John Chica on at 430 and O's going to be looking into the screen going, what do you think you're going to do with the pick? Like you're going to be dead serious and he's going to be staring through his screen staring at you with a wig on. It looks amazing.

Everybody's got to do their own job. It's like, you know, crowd noise, hostile environments. If you're going to get distracted by a tight ponois. Wow, I love that look. Listen, what a 24 hours we've had. Like we were introduced to JP type pony or whatever we were calling him last night. And we owe him our life. And we really do because you know what's happening.

All around the league, it's rigged. Oh, my. I actually had like grown men, like serious grown men saying, this is just not possible. It's rigged. And I'm like, well, were you saying that when the oilers got four or five and six years? Yeah. Like, really?

It's not. And I was telling Hayes off air. As big as conspiracy theory, like, I'm a huge conspiracy. You are knee-deep in conspiracy. Yeah, like building seven, you know, world trades. Like that type of stuff. The Kennedy assassination. But I'm like, this one, I'm like, there's no way.

It's 2026. There's technology and stuff. Tight pony guy. Like, there's no way that it's rigged. Right. You know, technology and stuff. It's not. No, it's not.

But I had somebody call me today going, well, isn't that just a coincidence that, you know, the Leafs have an offseason they want the Leafs right back in the mix, give them the number one? Oh, San Jose, SAP puts a lot of money into the league with their analytics. and stuff. How about number two for you? You can move up. So that was where the sour grapes was coming from from a lot of

people outside the market, but it's like anything. You say it all the time, Hayes. People love the leaves and they love the goof on the leaves. It's either one or the other. Love or hate. Love or hate. That's what it is. So you knew that was going to send shockwaves. Oh, it makes it,

again, it makes it so much worse. Like I think if you're in Vancouver, they have a long history of losing the lottery. That's crazy that they never they never win it and furthermore they just go down all the time like they consistently are going in the wrong direction and i would have to believe 80% of their disappointment is just focused on their own team 80% is probably like they're the worst team in the league by a mile they've been all in on the tank mckenna's a western canadian boy yeah it's star power you step right in it's just perfect maybe he can get peterson going again

80% is hyper-focused on their own market and their own sorrows. The other 20, though, is the Leafs jumping over them. I may have those numbers wrong. It may be closer to 60-40, maybe 50-50, I can't imagine. But the fact that the Leafs of all teams jumped over Calgary and over Vancouver is just got to be sickening in those markets. And I totally understand it. Hasey, I got to tell you, you got some pep in your step right now. I haven't heard this excitement in your voice in three months.

Yeah, you know what? To be honest, it was a really different, like, whoa, was me. We get to, we have awesome jobs, and we get to come in here and talk and have fun every day. It's amazing. It's a tough year talking about how awful the Leafs are every single day. Like, that's the truth. We talk about the Leafs a lot, clearly on this team. And it was, there's just so much negative energy.

Ever since Game 7 against Florida. Yep. From that point, basically a calendar year later, I don't remember any possible. stories. Like, not that really hit the Richter's scale. Not a big one. Like, you know, Easton-Cowen has a good night, all that type of stuff. But it wasn't, there wasn't a lot to go hang my hat on that. Hang my hat. Like, there was, they won three going into the break. That's what it was, right?

That was probably good. And you're like, okay, you can see a pathway here. Let's get through the Olympics. See, like, but there wasn't like these monumental Matthews-Chase in 70. Like there wasn't that. This past year didn't have it. No, it didn't have the pop. It didn't have anything. It didn't have anything.

No, it didn't. And the reality is I said the other day on this show that the players are getting stale, you know, the coaches are getting stale. There's weird mojo in the front office. You know, the president's stale, Brian. Everything across the board. And what happened last night is you just got a jolt of adrenaline that at a minimum doesn't change their fortunes of the franchise doesn't guarantee anything,

doesn't mean they don't have a lot of work to do. Yes. What it did was just give you something to be really excited about in terms of watching likely next season. Like let's assume they take McKenna, not a guarantee. Right. But let's say they take McKenna and he shows up and he all of a sudden, rookie camp matters, all of a sudden the first day of camp,

once he play at his first game, who's he going to play on? It's just it's a completely different story. Not that if they stayed at five and they took, Verhoff or something, it wouldn't be a cool story too. But first overall, picks have got, they've got a different mojo to them. For sure.

Right? It's a very different mojo. And it changes possibly the timeline of what they're planning on doing. And can this can play with Matthews next year? There's a lot. It just, a lot changed. I've heard all the theories, Brian.

I've heard like now it's time to just, now it's time to just start accumulating assets because you, lucked out, you got the number one pick. So it's like, wheel and deal. Try to get the number two pick from San Jose, get a defenseman, get another prospect, and do that with other players, and then maybe you have something to move forward with.

Well, you're right on. As opposed to saying, hey, we got a young player, and then two years later we might just be junk with a young player. I've heard all, like, I'm sure your guy's phones were the same as mine. I got home and I had 50 messages I had to wheel through. this guy's this guy's scenario that guy's scenario and literally it like it put me to sleep i was so tired reading it but there's all different kinds of options and i think that's just a good thing if you get that lottery ball it at least might give you some options to look at things differently that's

the word options and that's what i'm going to ask john chica like options from the pony options from the pony exactly but that you know does it give him another pathway that's he's not going to tell us his plan, and rightfully so, he shouldn't. But does it give you, does it change your thought process of maybe, you know, 24 hours ago you're thinking one way? Does it change your thought process? Because you're right. There's a lot of people going, now you've got an opportunity. If you wanted to, it could potentially accelerate a rebuild. If, again, a lot of it hinges on 34. If he goes, hey, not for me, well, now you can move picks and get players, live players, all of that type of stuff. It just gives you an awesome.

option. And I think that's where probably Leaf fans should be excited. Well, and I think listen, Austin Matthews, like last night did not change the fact that the ball is in his court in terms of what his plan is with his future. Now, maybe he looks at this

and thinks, let's say it's McKenna, hey, there is a guy who I think I can play with, maybe as early as next year. I think that's asking a lot, clearly. But maybe within the next couple of years, if this is moving in the the right direction. There's the guy

they've been looking for, a top six forward, a top six winger who can score and be a playmaker, and that is effectively the description of McKenna. So I'm sure it will peak his interest. He's still the captain of the Maple Leafs. Like he's got to be ecstatic with the way that played out last night, but it's still, you know, the ball is

in his court. But I'm of the belief and I think it's been pretty well sourced that the ownership of the Maple Leafs have no interest. in like a scorched earth, rebuild, or anything like that. No. Because of money, jerseys, ticket sales, selling hope.

Matthews has always represented that, and he's represented that for 10 years, and he still does today. Neelander, to a little bit of a lesser extent, but he still does today. A first overall pick is one hell of a marketing campaign. Right. Like, it may soften that block. If he decides the other way, yes. If it goes the other way, ownership may look at this and say, you know what?

You know, maybe we don't. need to win in the next year or two because we've got this shiny toy that's going to go first overall that every leaf fan can't wait to see play. And potentially more. And people have to understand for what I've seen. Craig might fill us in at a later date. But people need to understand. Gavin McKenna, if this is what goes down here, this is not Connor McDavid or Austin Matthews. You're talking about a guy that can be a, like, as far as position, a scoring winger, like it might turn into some type of Patrick Kane, which is still incredible. But, but, you're talking about, They're not getting, do you know what I mean?

No, I understand that. People need to calm down because this city can go nuts and they're like, oh, the last time we got Austin Matthews, this is a game changer. We're going back to this and back to that. Everyone needs to cool their jets because, I don't know. There was people at the World Juniors that were saying they would take other people other than Gavin McKenna. Well, it's not a guarantee they're going to take them. But you're still going to get a really good player.

But exactly, regardless. And again, we said last year, no one was saying Matthew Schaefer is the second coming of Bobby Orr. Nobody. Like this time last year It was kind of thought Yeah he probably goes first overall And then by the draft it was a lot Like everyone knew that they were taking him

Right And he blew expectations out of the water Celebrating the same thing a couple of years ago The hype machine of the Bedards And the McDavid's And the Sids and the Ovis Those are very very rare And I agree with you

That is not the case here But it doesn't mean that McKenna Cantor won't be a very good player Or anyone they might take with that first pick but listen it was like the balls literally fell their way last night and they desperately needed that they needed some positivity you mention it like bones blown up the amount of leaf fans two days ago they're like I'm done it's over I'm sick of this it's got then they win last night and it's like I'm you're right back in

the bandwagon you know how that is right back on the excitement right back on the bandwagon yeah everything's moving in the right direction now now they've got to get to work though And I think that's for John Chica, Matt Sundeen, the whole management group, got to figure out what the plan is. And there's lots of work to be done there. Now, the cap's going up. Now, every team gets to spend an extra, what, 8. A lot of money, $8.5 million.

That's a really good player. You can add to your roster or two if you have value. But Jamie, if you can find one, if you piss that money away on fake good players that you just want to pay to spend it, good luck. Yeah. No, I get it. I'm just saying that there is some flexibility. See, I can't look at you.

I'm sorry. We might have to turn the screen on it. I know what angle you want. I know what angle you want. I sent that picture. Was that you? Yeah, because Gerdip, Gerdip just sent me a note saying,

oh, looks like the guy, the bad guy in kindergarten cop. Yes. The dad. You're the dad in kindergarten cop. And we need Arnold Schwarzenegger around to play a beating on you. But there's got to be a better pony picture of this guy. This is a tribute to, getting the first overall pick to

tight pony guy and you guys are trying to poke fun now. It's true. Pay your respects. I love that pony. Give me a little shake. Give me a little just, man, was he on fire at the draft lottery last night? Running security with his Nintendo sweat.

You said everything. He did everything. He was so great at that role. Think about the people that we have identified that work at the NHL office. Remember the guy in Bob? There See, that's not, that's this respect. Does he have a pony? Yes, that guy's got a pony.

He had a pony. He loved his pony. No, but the guy at the NHL offices in Buffalo, remember that guy with the flowered suit? That guy at the bar the night before the draft was hammering drinks. I've never seen more of a veteran at a bar than that guy. The thing is, Hayes, if you guys recall, we did not know who that character was with that big bushy mustache.

And with the Hawaiian shirt on, killing rum and cox. And then we sat down at our spot at the draft, and he was directing traffic on the floor, head of security. I have never laughed that hard in my life. I know. Because this was at...

There he is. The amazing thing is that was 10 years ago at the Matthews draft. Yeah. It was in Buffalo. This draft is in Buffalo. It's all coming together. We need to get back to that lobby bar 10 years later and hope that he's still running security.

Are we going to the draft now? Yeah, I don't see why not. I think we got to, I mean, how about Buffalo tonight? How many halves fans do you think are going to be in attendance tonight? Well, I can't wait to watch that game, I'll tell you that. Me too. I can't wait. I can't get a read on it, though.

Like who, you can make a case for both teams to win that series, like, handedly. Definitely. They're both playing really well. The thing is, is Buffalo is different than Tampa. Tampa's got the skill set in that, but Buffalo can fly. They might be the fastest team in the league. Like, they are flying to ball. Jamie, I think the message from Marty will be, like, you guys think you're a real deal team?

Like, don't even think about being out of energy from that first round against Tampa. Because if you guys are who you say you want to be, this has got to be a marathon, and there's three more rounds to go. So it's like, get back on the horse, giddy up, fire up the pony. Yeah, get the pony going down in Buffalo and in Montreal. But you know what? The thing is that Tage Thompson, he's a handful. Like they're a different animal. Like, Buffalo's a different animal.

Like, they're star players are big. Yes. Well, that's, and that's going to be challenging for Suzuki tonight. And throughout the series is, you know, Braden Point is very shifty and crafty and really a smart, smart player. But he's not overwhelming physically. You're not going to blow you up physically where this stage Thompson's 6'4-7 and he's got to reach on him like Mario.

Yeah. And he shoots the puck 105 miles an hour. Right. No, they both have Mojo going too, right? Like you look at, I'm curious to see how the defense kind of get activated here as well between Hudson and Dahlene and Byron and Dobson's healthy again. You know, like there's a lot of really active defense that I think are going to factor into this. And both goals is not a ton of history, right?

Yeah. Crazy thing I look at things a little bit differently, weird, some might say. I still don't even think that that Tage Thompson, I think he could score 65. goals if he was a right winger with a really gifted centerman. Like a guy that could put it on a T for him all night. I don't think center ice is where he should be playing. It's working right now. It's work for the Sabres.

But I'll tell you what, man, you ever get like a, if you ever get Ron Francis in his prime playing with that guy, he'll score 65 goals. Playmaking center. Yes. A guy who's responsible and can just flat out dish it, that guy will rip home 65. goals the way he shoots the puck. I'm telling you, it'll happen. I don't know. Who knows? But that's just my two cents on that. It's going to be a good series regardless.

It ought to be a great series. Vegas is back at it. Let's see if Q's come down off the left. I want to see Quinvo going nuts tonight. Like, I want to see him going nuts. He had a case, though. You go back and look at the one angle. It's not even close. Well, between him and Tortorella, like both of them have a short fuse behind the bench. Like the two of them will lose their. minds over different things. That game was really close,

and then that play was the difference. Yeah. Unfortunately. Yeah, Vegas with a chance to go up two nothing like Colorado did last night. Yeah. And now you look at Colorado, and I know Minnesota hasn't lost on home ice yet, but I just don't know how you're going to slow those guys down. Like McKinnon is a possessed human being

right now. See that hit on Boldie? That was mean, but I like it. No, I loved it. And that Boldie's been great. He's a significant piece, obviously, in Minnesota. And if you've got to player like McKinnon, going to lay out. I'm going to blow you up, and that was a hard hit.

Yeah, that was a great hit. Like, he was vulnerable there, but that's, yeah, like that's, that's within the realm of the rules, right? How about that McKinnon, like that power play they had rocking last night, and I know it's had its struggles this playoffs. There's another thing.

I got 15 messages about that saying, just give those guys a cup and cut the crap. Like, just cut the crap, because it looks pretty scary right now. Yeah, I mean, Minnesota is obviously a really good team. and they're chasing it. Like they're swimming upstream right now. Yeah.

Like their next game. Is that tomorrow? Or do you get an extra day? I don't know if they play tomorrow. But they're, obviously, their next game is critical. Yes.

Oh, it's a mandatory. Mandatory win. Mandatory. They're done. It kind of feels that way for Anaheim tonight too, right?

Like it kind of feels that way that if you go down to nothing against Vegas, who's a veteran team is starting to kind of feel it now. Probably lights out, man. Yeah,

you probably got to get this one tonight. And it's the same thing that happened with the Edmonton series. Edmonton won the first game. Anaheim came back in one game two, and then they settled into the series, and they ended up winning it. You've got to find a way. Absolutely. All right, Craig Button,

we'll join us today. So Craig's take on who he would take first overall in the NHL draft. Who else could go second, third, fourth, fifth, the other Canadian teams in the top ten, Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg. What does he make a haves and Sabres tonight? So we'll catch up with Craig. We've got

Jerry coming up, Jerry's percentages just over an hour. The Jay's got swept this afternoon down at the drop. Their bats are just freezing. They are freezing cold. Like there's... 16 and 12, yeah. 21 now. It's like, you're starting to get worried.

Yeah. Put it that way. It's starting to get worried. The two years ago where it's like, are they ever going to start hitting? Like, is Vladdy going to wake up? Yeah. Like, it's just it has that vibe where it's like one setback and they get a little bit of mojo and they win two or three and then they take a couple series and then they just, I don't know. Yeah. It's a, it's tough.

to watch. It's not very entertaining. No, listen, they're barely, they're barely getting on base right now. Like they're not, they're not manufacturing any rallies, any hits, any runs. Vladi was 0 for 4 again today. It's a struggle and, you know, Scherzer didn't have a positive update, not that that's the problem right now, but you don't know when he's going to pitch

again and what are they going to do at Borrios and, you know, they're, they're in one right now. So they're off tomorrow and actually, we're going to see a Blue Jail tomorrow. The Lincoln Cup is going on tomorrow and tight pony, you better bring that pony to the golf course because I'm taking you down tomorrow at the Lincoln Cup. So more on that, who else is involved?

The tight pony will be at Coptown, stealing stickers. Do you want me to fire up tight pony on the G-course? I think it's possible that it... No, we better keep it real. Yeah, I don't know if Lincoln wants us to do that. There might be like you say, if there's a gift basket there, you better watch yourself. We will. We will.

We can't wait. Bernie Klamas is going to be there, Ryan Reeves. I'll go right back to the well, and I'll get my wife for a little after-dinner treats. I don't care. I'll steal the basket this time. I don't care. Okay. All right.

Well, I've got my head on a swivel as of tomorrow. So the Lincoln Cup. We'll tell you more about that. Ernie Clement, Ryan Reeves, involved. It's going to be awesome. Craig coming up. John Chica, though, the new GM of the Maple Leafs will join us. What was his viewing experience like last night?

What does he make of having the first pick, and how does it change what his plans are moving forward? How does he address the Matthews reports and his future in Toronto? a lot to get into it, John. We'll do that next. This May, IHart Radio celebrates Asian Heritage Month. Discover powerful stories, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable music. From inspiring podcasts to playlist that span east, south, southeast, and West Asian artists. We're honoring the voices shaping our world.

Listen now on the free IHRR Radio app. And at iHardio.ca. All right, Overdrive continues, powered by Fanduo, bringing you more ways to play your game, your way. We should compile a list of the greatest ponytails. Probably in Hollywood history. A lot of people are pointing out Stephen Seagall. Stephen Seagull had a great ponies. But the problem is, he's better at the end of the show before the show's over, on the fly.

I want you to be in touch with Joe from the bridge, on the fly, be listing, top five ponies all time. And if the guy from last night is not involved, you're dead to me. Well, he may have to be excluded because it goes without saying the lottery ball security guy is on the list. Yes. He might be just make him. He is the list. Yes. But Seagall.

Seagal's got to be high on it. It's so weird watching him now. Like he's some weird. Very strange. Somebody will run at him and he like point. at the person, the guy throws himself on the ground. He's got... He's had some groceries over the pad.

Dude, he has... Seagal has put some beef on. It is no longer, like, prime Seagull. No, no. He makes Val Kilmer pick. Like... Yes. That's child's play told Stephen Seagall.

Man, Seagal had some great, awful movies. Hard to kill. Above the law. Above the law. Above the law. Haw? Yeah. Which is the one hard to kill is when he had the coma, came out of the coma and pulled himself

out of the hospital with a broomstick and then got out of bed and then ended up fighting people in the street out of a coma. Yeah. Oh, man. He was phenomenal. Under siege is legit, very good movie. Yeah. Marked for death.

Out for justice is my favorite. Out for justice. That's when that guy in Brooklyn that he used to be buddies with as a kid. That's right. He was running all over Brooklyn. Remember he gets a dog and he starts driving around. around with his little puppy and I used to love seagal movies they're so great what was his name and out for justice there's always like gino or something like that or yeah gino felino that's

literally his name detective gino felino with a tight pony and just imagine going through that script you want me to be gino felino with a pony and he signed off on it. Of course he did, and he was phenomenal. Yeah. Richie Madonna was the bad guy. Oh, yeah, I remember that. Richie.

He's buddy Richie. Yeah, his ex-wife, Vicki Filino. Yeah, it was great. Gino Filino. That's great. Yeah, I'll put a list together. Top five ponies. In either Hollywood history,

I guess I could include sports. Like, there have been some great athletes. I know one that is mandatory. In sports, I don't know one. There's been some. The soccer players have a... Yeah, there's been soccer players. But, yeah, for sure.

There is one that is mandatory, and it's Travolta in Pulp Fiction. Yes, definitely. That is... Definitely. That revived his career. That Pulp Fiction movie, like... Brought him right back into an A-list, like, superstar. And he did face off and did all these other...

But, like, Travolta's Pony in Pulp Fiction? Yes. Tight. height and phenomenal. Yeah, exactly. The premise of the movie Face Off. Yeah, I know. Oh my God.

Insane. Insane. But it worked. And Nick Cage was a part of that. Exactly, exactly. The premise of the draft lottery last night for non-leaf fans probably also described the same way, just crazy. The number 12 lottery ball.

Joe from the bridge is going to get that tattooed probably on his face now. Probably, yeah. After last night. And we saw Matt Sundeen and his reaction immediately. Matt's was obviously very happy. how the new GM of the Maple Leafs was reacting to the news. Let's bring them in here. There's John Chica, the new GM of the Leafs. How are you doing, John? Doing well. How are you guys doing?

We're doing very well. Take us through your viewing experience of the lottery last night. Yeah, I was standing beside Matt's, and he kept telling me how he's not going to win. It's not going to happen. And I kept trying to keep him optimistic, and he's a lucky Swede. So we got it done. So John, you know, you have a plan heading into the lottery draft last night and then you win it. Does that potentially change your plan or does that just give you more options? You know, the nice part is we just started. So, you know, when we have a plan kind of, I were thinking about building out the organization, you know, we didn't have a plan in the draft yet. And so we knew that there was optionality of what would happen.

And obviously there was a wide range, you know, from where, you know, from where. winning, which we ultimately did to losing the pick even. And we were kind of thinking about and planning for all of those circumstances. So obviously the best outcome possible happened. And, you know, it looks a funny thing. And you need it to have success long term. And that's a big one. Does this speed up the process of getting familiar with scouts and everybody's books on these

prospect? I know there's a bunch of players that are at the top of the top of the class. this year, John, but as far as you're concerned, you must want to get as much info as you want on the top guys that are going to be available. Yeah, you know what? We had a few meetings already scheduled for today, so it ended up lining up well.

But honestly, I mean, these guys, they're out, you know, every day of the year. And for these players now, they've seen them over multiple years. So it's always about getting a good book on the players, and I got a lot of confidence in the group we have here. It's a veteran group. I spent some time with them today. feel really comfortable with where they have things.

And, you know, again, it's a big decision. And we've got to be thorough and we've got to be diligent. But I have no reservations that this group's not prepared to make the right decision. Always curious in terms of the role the GM plays in the actual draft picks. In other words, I can't imagine you're watching, you know, hundreds and hundreds of prospects. And once you get to the fifth and sixth and seventh round, I'm sure you have to rely on your scouts to tell you, this is the guy we should go for, this is the guy that fits whatever we're looking for.

How does that apply to the first overall pick? Like your specific role in knowing the four or five guys that are on the short list, like is it basically, are you going to work even more on this pick because you can narrow it down to two or three guys? It's a great question. I would just say, you know, I think every manager is different and now they approach the drafts. Certainly some guys, you know,

that's how they were brought up. That's what they love to do and they're super involved and super engaged. And that's great. I think for my seat, like, I'm always a big process guy. It's a really hard thing to do. And it's one of the most challenging problems I've ever come across in life. And like I just find that, you know, their experience, their intuition, what they've gone through, how they've learned, the mistakes they've made, the adjustments they've made over

decades are super important. And so, you know, obviously, you know, the first overall picks an organizational pick. And, you know, it's an important one to get right and we'll dig in and I'll be a part of that process. But I would say, honestly, my part is a part of it. At the end of day, though, you know, it will be on my record and I own that. But same time, that's why you have to, you know, have a good staff and empower them to do a good job. John, your data driven, have you noticed scouting and the way that scouting has been processed changed over the years and i'll give an example is maybe watching prospects through video instead of actually being in the building to watch them yeah sure i think it's just any business evolves you know new technologies come out and you

evolve your your process i think that one of the challenges of scouting is and especially in hockey specifically just have this massive player pool across you know different continents and so you know if you're one person trying to get a good feel for the entire drafts, it's almost impossible to get a good sample size. You know, you can do it, you can see everybody, but I think it's a bit of a supplement and, you know, how can you use data, use video, use it, you know, in-person experiences, just get the fullest picture possible. And like I said, even after you've done all of that, it's a very challenging decision to make. And you're trying to blend all these things in a really artistic way, as opposed to just being pure science.

But I think anyone that's gone through it and done it has got the humility to understand that, you know, viewings are helpful and certainly being live and feeling it and, you know, seeing stuff away from the puck brings a lot to the table. But if you're also just trying to make sure that you're not missing anything and seeing players in different segments of the season or against different competition, you know, supplementing some of those viewings can be really valuable. So data has been brought up twice in this interview already.

and you're associated with that word. We have a new segment on our show that we're heavily involved with it. We talk about it too. What does that mean for people listening that you're described as a data guy, analytics? As far as your view on a hockey team and your association with this, how does it all come together and how do you kind of view things? Yeah, I mean, my approach and my view is, as you guys know, as well as I do or better, Like, it's just really hard to win in the National Hockey League.

There's a ton of really smart people doing great work, lots of experience. They got a lot of knowledge. And so you're always trying to find an edge, an advantage, something different. You know, not trying to play the exact same game as everybody else and just hope the ping pong balls hit every year for you. Like, you know, what can you do that's different that kind of gives you a right to win? And, you know, look, with my background and some of the things I've experiences I've had, you know, I feel like I've got a lot of experience on the data side. And, you know, having said that, I think no matter what your background experience is, you have to be, you know, cognizant of not over-indexing to something or under-indexing in another way.

So for me, it's just, you know, I really believe in, you know, the power of the room, like I've said before. I think, again, these are really hard decisions. So if you get the best people around the table, you know, put all the information on the table in terms of quantitative or qualitative evaluations, your book on the players, you know, anything you've got on them in terms of intangibles. And just, you know, it's hard. You know, you're trying to wait all these things in different ways. And it's always different, you know, depending on the player and the situation and

that the part of the draft that you're in, it'll evolve. And it's never the same waiting. But ultimately, you know, you have to be right when you make your pick. And when you do that, you know, you want to have a lot of conviction that you've turned over every stone. You've looked at it from every different angle. And then you've got to make a judgment call. with John Chica, GM of the Maple Leafs.

So intangibles, physicality, intimidation, you know, they all play a role in the sport. You, again, I think maybe fairly or unfairly, you've been labeled as just the data guy, just a, you know, it's all a science and you're going to put the numbers together. You want to address that and how important you think it is in terms of building the Leafs in the future to make sure there is a physical element to their game. you know, they can fight if they have to fight. Like all the different things that also come with the sport, where do you stand on that? And how would you address leave fans that are wondering, you know, your stance on that part of the game?

Yeah, I'd just say like, you know, much like any fan, you'll turn on and play off hockey and, you know, it doesn't take you long to figure it out. I mean, these are, it's a battle out there. You've got to be ready physically and mentally to go out and compete at that level. Obviously, that's, you know, a reason why Matt Sundeen is a big part of what we're doing. you know, he's a guy that's, that's been in those situations and knows what it takes. You know, he'll be a big part of our decision-making process.

And, you know, we're going to surround ourselves with lots of individuals like Mats or would have similar different backgrounds that can bring those elements to the table and understanding of what it means. But, you know, I would just say, like, if you're going to win, you've got to be good across the board. And certainly at this time of year, you need those elements that you raise, but you also need to be, you know, that you would, the pace of the game. games is also noticeable, you know, and not just the pace of skating, but decision-making and

reads and, you know, making plays under pressure and escaping pressure and making a play. So, you know, I think our job is to not miss those elements that you suggested because those are clearly part of the recipe, but also have a well-rounded team that no matter of the opponent, you know, you have a diversified attack that can match up well against anybody. John, you just mentioned the other general managers around the league that everyone does good work and everyone's trying to win. There's been a lot of speculation about your specific relationships with these people. Like in your estimation, do you want to speak to that? Like, what do you think your relationship is?

And I know there are some different people moving around the deck chairs are different. How do you think your relationship is from your view with other GMs around the league? Yeah, no, it's a fair question. I think from my side, I would say, you know, the folks that I know, which is a large majority, you know, I think I have pretty good relationships with. And I would just point to my history of making transactions. And we made quite a few in Arizona as we were trying to kind of move that team around and get into a competitive position. You know, I think the main theme is that whenever you're trying to, you know, make a deal or create a transaction,

that, you know, there's, you know, two sides to the equation. and you're trying to understand what they're trying to accomplish and you know you're trying to accomplish something for your clubs well. So by no means am I looking to make friends or anything like that. I'm trying to, you know, do the best thing in the interest of the Toronto Maple Leafs. That's my loyalties and that's where that lies. And, you know, for Edward Rogers and Keith Pelley and the whole staff, you know, that's my focus. But at the same time, I think in order to get transactions done consistently,

you need how to be honest and forthright and directing your dealings. And like I said, historically I've been able to do that. Well, and Keith Pelley the other day obviously was not concerned and was not concerned about your history and your time in Arizona, the way you left Arizona. And he said you impressed him with your vision. Can you shed any light on that? Not necessarily your full blueprint of the next three to five years for the least. But what do you think you did in particular to tip the scales and have Keith Pelley in the end choose you as the GM? Yeah.

Again, that's a good question for Keith. But from my perspective, I think, you know, obviously, you know, resources aren't a problem in Toronto. Again, the directive from Edward Rogers to me is to, you know, do whatever it takes to win a Stanley Cup. I take that seriously. I think, you know, as we think about how we can, you know, again, gain a competitive advantage, it's not just resources. It's being resourceful. And I think, you know, coming from a place like Arizona, you know, it teaches you a lot about that. And so, you know, how can you be really disciplined in your decision making, how you can be really

really disciplined in how you spend money in a cap system. Even though you can spend in the cap, it still matters how you spend those dollars. And so I think combining, you know, resourcefulness with the resources could be a blueprint of, you know, how we continue to evolve the organization. And, you know, again, I would just say, like, I think there's been a lot of good things done here over a decade too. And so we're certainly not looking to throw the baby out with the bathwater in any way, shape, or form. There's a lot of good people that have done a lot of good work over a long period of time. And, you know, Matt and I are coming in with a different slant and, you know, maybe a fresh perspective. And, you know, we're going to try to iterate on

things. But, you know, I think ultimately Keith was looking for someone that could come in and bridge them between some departments and try to, you know, again, take what's here and bring into that level. Your opening statement the other day in your press conference, you said, you know, you were younger and a lot different in Arizona. This is a different beast here in Toronto. I mean, how different are you and how different is your approach going to be? You've talked about it with more resources, but is it more about relationships or more about just you maturing and second time around? You're looking for a different approach. Yeah, I think a little bit of all the above.

I was 26. I was dating now on 36. I'm married. I've got three kids. Life changes. And so, yeah, I'm always looking to get better and improve and, you know, do different things. obviously done some things now on the business side in different formats and you know look to bring some big best practices from there as well but i'd say you know spent a lot of time in global sports

global football baseball um you know NBA even you know the common theme is always the human element um there's just a human connectivity and a pulse and a heartbeat these environments and you know again i think you can have the most talented teams in the world i don't think that's going to get the job done. And so while talent is a necessary part of the equation, I don't think it's a sufficient part. And, you know, anything we can do here with the Leafs to continue to build up culture. And again, that's why I love having Matt Sundeen as a partner in this. And someone who knows the market, has lived it, has felt the weight of it, but I was also embraced what it is and what it means. I don't have that exact perspective, of course. And so, you know, having the best front

office matters. So as far as the culture that's in place, like, how are you going to dig down and drill down on the culture that's already here? Like, are you just going to have to ask around, get to know guys? Like, have you spoken to Austin Matthews, William Neelander, about what's up here and what's been happening, or how are you going to find all these things out? Yeah, I mean, at the end of the day, I think it is just having conversations. And so the last two days, we've been kind of in the boardroom here, buckled down and trying to meet with everyone from the chef to the equipment staff to the coaches we're going to go through and talk to them and get their perspective.

I'm just a big believer. Again, we're on the outside. We don't know what we don't know. And so having those conversations and digging deep and trying to have real honest conversations about where we're at. And there's been a great perspective already. You know, people that are in the room every day that just have a pulse on what's going on. what's going on. And the question isn't what's gone on the past. The question is

where do we go from here? How do we get better? How do we elevate things? Obviously, it was a disappointing season for everyone. At the same time, I think there's a lot of resolve in the group. There hasn't been that missed playoff experience in a long time. And our hope is that, you know, this group

can benefit from that actually, you know, use some of that adversity in a positive way and bounce back. Well, with that in mind, there was a report in the athletic this week that Austin Matthews is uncertain if he's even going to return next year. Is that your understanding of where Matthews is at right now? And how would you approach that report? That's not my understanding.

I think, you know, Austin's invested a lot of his career, his entire NHL career into the Toronto Maple Leafs. And, you know, I think that's been an affirmative decision on his behalf. And, you know, I think as he evaluates his career and, you know, what the next decade of his career looks like. I think it's important that he feels a connectivity and alignment. He has a similar vision and passion that we do. And so, you know, we'll have those conversations and get together and share notes.

And honestly, I want to be a good listener. You know, he's the captain. It's his room. He's been through the ups and downs of this market. Yeah, obviously, Matt's is a unique perspective to share as well. And I'm sure there'll be some good back and forth in that regard. but I totally understand the perspective of, you know, you only have so many years as a player, and it goes by quick, as you guys know.

And, you know, you want to make sure that you feel fully aligned and engaged in what's going on. And I have no problem, you know, having those conversations, sharing our thoughts, learning, seeing if there's a, you know, shared common vision and, you know, charing a path forward. John, Keith Pelly, in a roundabout way, a few different times, thinks that, with some of the cornerstone pieces, as he labeled them, with some additions and possibly being healthy, that this team can turn it around and get back into contention of some sort, I guess for the Stanley Cup next year.

Do you share in that belief? Was that a big part of the interview process, what your thoughts were on this team, and how quickly they could turn around if that's even possible? Some think it's not? Yeah, I would just share my perspective, which is, you know, we spent some time on, you know, this roster, this season, you know, walking through the players, I'd say it's a very small portion of the interview process. The much larger part of the process was organizational building, you know, a vision for what world-class organization looks like, how we can be the best class across, you know, all these different departments and integrate them in a really effective way to create a competitive advantage for the long term for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

And, you know, so as we're doing that and evaluating that right now and trying to find, you know, the best ways to put this thing on solid foundation, not just for my tenure, but hopefully, you know, into the future. We also believe very strongly that, you know, we owe it to the players, first and foremost, the fans, ownership, to, you know, put the best team on the ice next year. And, you know, I think you got to do that in a way that's thoughtful and constructive. And, you know, this isn't something where we're building a team for one season. But at the same time, I do think we need to, you know, continue to push this team ahead, generate some momentum and get some positivity back. So as far as next year, do you think that this team could turn around and be competitive and compete for a Stanley Cup with some additions?

Or what are your thoughts on that? I think, look, I think, again, as I sit here today in May, the season played out. And, you know, you know the result as well as I do. And so obviously the answers we sit here today is that they're not the contending club that we'd like to be. We've got a full off season. We're going to go hard. We're going to give it everything we got. I'm very committed to that.

I think we got some world-class players. And those players deserve our best efforts to put the best team on the ice under the constraints. And the realities are trying to do that while other 31 teams are trying to do the same. But it won't be for a lack of effort on our side. and as we get into training camp I'm happy to address that question with more specificity but you know I can say anything in May

as you know it's more about what it looks like as we enter the season yep absolutely well John you're the first guest to come on since O debuted his new ponytail so we appreciate you keeping a straight face throughout the whole thing staring in the screen at that stuff and next time I'm sure he'll be back to a tight fade

we appreciate you taking time for us we'll do it again down the road thank you Yeah, thanks, guys. Appreciate it. You got it. You got it. John, Jake. You too. The new GM of the Maple Leafs. All right.

Well, listen, we'll see it. You can tell, like he kind of says, buzz around that building. I'm sure getting that first pick overall last night. That's going to change the whole complexion of the vibe, but there's still a lot of work to be done, like you said. All right, more on this still to come. Craig Button coming up.

Jay's got swept today. Have Sabers tonight. Jerry's percentages. Overdrive continues. TSN 1050 and up on YouTube live. I'm Luke Wilson. Join me each week for Film Never Lies. Since retiring from the NFL, I've had a lot of my mind, and now I've got my own show.

So if you're tired of lazy takes, if you want honest conversations, join us each week. Film Never Lies available on all TSN platforms in the IHeart Radio app. All right, Craig Button coming up. Jerry's percentages coming up, and I've got a new list. The best ponytails of all time, right? Yes. And this is specific to men, clearly. Okay, but you said the guy from the draft lottery is already on...

He's the inspiration for the list. Yeah, like he's excluded. He's the rushmore of ponies. Exactly, exactly. But where does this one... That one's going to possibly... Listen, Tony Little is coming up. Oh, my God, Tony Little.

Remember him on an elliptical with a tight pony and a half? Somebody sent a tweet to me that said, I can't take this seriously watching Gino Felino, the GEOPLE. That's Detective Gino-Folino. It is tough. Detective Gino-Fellino. Joe from the bridge.

Get a Gino-Falino clip coming into the next segment. Yes. Please do. We will. Next hour, Gino-Falino coming up. Overdraft continues up on YouTube live. You've been listening to Overdrive,

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