Toronto Maple Leafs introduce Chayka, Sundin in new management roles

The Maple Leafs introduced franchise legend Mats Sundin as their new senior executive adviser of hockey operations and John Chayka as general manager on Monday.

The long-rumoured moves announced Sunday afternoon come after a disastrous campaign that saw Toronto miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade despite pre-season Stanley Cup talk for a club that hasn't hoisted hockey's holy grail since 1967.

Keith Pelley, president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), said he understands fans' frustration, and noted it's been about 24 years, when Sundin was the team's captain, since the Leafs made it to conference finals.

Pelley said he has confidence Sundin and Chayka will lead the team in the right direction.

"I believe the future is incredibly bright for the Toronto Maple Leafs," Pelley told reporters at Monday's news conference and thanked fans for their loyalty.

"There is no question that we believe this tandem will co-orchestrate a vision that aligns the organization from ownership, right through to the dressing room," Pelley said.

Sundin told reporters he's proud and excited to be taking on the executive adviser role. Toronto has been his home for 13 years and he spent 11 years as the Leafs' captain, so he has an emotional connection to the team and the city, he said.

"We're going do everything we can to get a winning team there and make you guys proud," he said, speaking to fans at the news conference on Monday.

The 55-year old from Bromma, Sweden, was the first European ever selected No. 1 overall at the NHL draft when the Quebec Nordiques called his name first back in 1989. Sundin would go onto play 18 seasons in the league.

The big Swede's career really took off when he was dealt to the Maple Leafs in a