The Maple Leafs reportedly have received permission from the Florida Panthers to talk to Sunny Mehta about the open GM position.<\/p>\n
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Published Apr 09, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0hour ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n How the Maple Leafs go about dealing with their goaltending will come under heavy scrutiny during the off-season.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Revamping the defence corps \u2014 if not acquiring a legitimate top-pair defenceman \u2014 and taking a long, hard look at what forwards come after captain Auston Matthews<\/a>, William Nylander, Matthew Knies and John Tavares will be at the top of the list of the incoming general manager.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n That\u2019s the reasonable expectation.<\/p>\n The latest injury suffered by goaltender Anthony Stolarz will add to the summertime intrigue and a decision will have to be made by the new person in charge whether the club can go forward with the 32-year-old vet as part of the goaltending group.<\/p>\n Speaking of a new GM, Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN\u2019s Early Trading on Thursday that the Leafs have received permission from the Florida Panthers to talk to the Panthers\u2019 assistant GM, head of analytics, Sunny Mehta about the open position.<\/p>\n The New Jersey Devils, who parted ways with GM Tom Fitzgerald this week, also like Mehta and received permission to speak to him as well.<\/p>\n We apologize, but this video has failed to load.<\/p>\n Play Video<\/p>\n Mehta\u2019s extensive background in analytics, culminating in helping the Panthers win the Stanley Cup in 2024 and 2025, fits the bill for what MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley seeks in a new GM.<\/p>\n Your Midday Sun<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n MLSE, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed the hiring of Neil Glasberg, president of the Coaches Agency, to assist in a search for the Leafs\u2019 head of hockey operations, seemingly giving credence to the idea that two hires, including a GM, will be made.<\/p>\n \u201cThe organization\u2019s top priority is to respect the integrity of the process, and we will not be providing updates or confirmations on potential candidates during the process,\u201d the statement said. \u201cWe\u2019re pleased by the progress to date and will provide a formal update once the search is complete.\u201d<\/p>\n If the Leafs decide they want Mehta, moving quickly on hiring him would be prudent. That goes for any potential candidate for whatever the job titles will be.<\/p>\n On the coaching side, Peter DeBoer will make his debut behind the bench of the New York Islanders against the Leafs on Thursday night, four days after he was hired after the dismissal of Patrick Roy.<\/p>\n What is Craig Berube\u2019s status for future?<\/p>\n A Leafs decision has to be made on Craig Berube. If the club really does wait until a new GM is in place before Berube\u2019s future is decided, it could lose out on candidates as it did, perhaps, with DeBoer.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n But back to Stolarz: It has become common to say that he plays well \u2014 when he has been healthy. It\u2019s true, for the most part.<\/p>\n His save percentage in the two seasons combined prior to 2025-26 was .926, the highest among National Hockey League goalies who played in at least 60 games in that span. Stolarz played in 61.<\/p>\n This season, that dipped to .893 in 26 games and, from the way Stolarz reacted when he suffered a left leg injury against the Washington Capitals<\/a> on Thursday night, it would be foolish to think he\u2019ll play again in what remains of the Leafs season \u2014 no matter what imaging of the injury reveals.<\/p>\n Injuries have become part of who Stolarz is. He missed nearly two months last season with a knee issue and an upper-body injury kept him out for two months this season. Before he was hurt on Nov. 11 against the Boston Bruins, Stolarz had a tough go, failing to provide consistently sharp netminding.<\/p>\n The issue going forward and why Stolarz\u2019s future is going to be under the spotlight, is the four-year contract extension that kicks in next season.<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n On paper, the contract sports a favourable annual average value of $3.75 million US. There won\u2019t be much value in it if Stolarz, whose career-high for games played in one season is 34, continues to spend significant chunks of time on the sideline nursing his latest injury.<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n SIMMONS: Leafs must find a Cliff Fletcher, Pat Quinn or Pat Burns in search for next GM and coach<\/p>\n![\"Sunny](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0410-sunny-mehta-florida-panthers-cup.jpg\")
Sunny Mehta of the Florida Panthers celebrates after winning the Stanley Cup in 2024. Getty ImagesArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.9.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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