John Chayka's tenure as general manager of the Arizona Coyotes was not characterized by blockbuster trades. During his four-year reign from 2016 to 2020, the team executed approximately 40 trades, but few significantly altered the franchise's trajectory.
Playoff Drought and a Short-Lived Postseason Run
In the first three years under Chayka, the Coyotes failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. In the fourth year, the 2020 postseason impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coyotes defeated the Nashville Predators in the qualifying round before falling to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round. All games were played in the Edmonton bubble. However, Chayka was not present to witness this success, as he abruptly resigned on the eve of the playoffs. Months later, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman suspended Chayka for conduct deemed detrimental to the league.
Chayka's Potential Move to Toronto
With Chayka in line to become the 19th general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, his trade history in Arizona has become increasingly relevant. The Leafs are expected to undergo a retooling rather than a full rebuild, and trades will likely play a central role. However, the team faces limitations with a shallow pool of unrestricted free agents and a lack of elite prospects ready to step into the lineup.
Key Trades and Their Impact
Many of Chayka's trades did not move the needle significantly. Among the notable moves was the December 2019 acquisition of forward Taylor Hall from the New Jersey Devils. The Coyotes sent defenseman Kevin Bahl and a 2020 first-round pick, which New Jersey used to select Dawson Mercer. Hall left Arizona the following year via free agency, signing with the Buffalo Sabres after Chayka's departure.
In 2019, prior to free agency, Chayka traded his 2017 first-round pick, defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a multi-player deal that brought Phil Kessel to Arizona. Joseph never played for the Coyotes and has since bounced around the league, appearing in 225 NHL games with three teams. Kessel, while past his prime, later won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
Interestingly, Chayka traded Max Domi to the Montreal Canadiens in a one-for-one swap in June 2018. In return, the Coyotes received Alex Galchenyuk, who, like Domi, would eventually play for the Maple Leafs. The trade was partly influenced by Tie Domi, Max's father, who wanted his son to gain exposure in a larger market. In the 2018-19 season, Domi recorded his best NHL campaign with 28 goals and 72 points.
Limited Interaction with the Leafs
Only one trade between Chayka's Coyotes and the Maple Leafs occurred during his tenure. In December 2016, Toronto, then led by Lou Lamoriello, sent forward Peter Holland to Arizona for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2018. The condition required the Coyotes to sign or trade Holland, but neither happened. Holland signed with Montreal the following summer, and the Leafs received nothing in return.
Assessing Chayka's Trade Legacy
Should there be optimism regarding Chayka's trade history? In short, little of what he accomplished in Arizona inspires awe when viewed through the lens of recent history. His draft record also failed to produce a wealth of top-tier prospects. On the coaching side, Chayka made one change, hiring Rick Tocchet in July 2017 after parting ways with Dave Tippett.
Looking ahead, Chayka's options with the Leafs may be limited. He is expected to discuss a potential trade with veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly regarding his no-movement clause, but a deal is not guaranteed. If captain Auston Matthews and William Nylander remain untouchable, Toronto's best trade assets are Matthew Knies and Easton Cowan. However, trading either young player could be counterproductive given their potential.
Conclusion
Chayka's tenure in Arizona was not a blueprint for success. His trade history, marked by middling deals and few game-changers, offers a cautionary tale for the Maple Leafs. As the team considers his candidacy, questions remain about whether he can deliver the impactful moves needed to elevate a contender.
