Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Maple Leafs Hire Andy O’Brien to Lead New Sport Performance Department

John Chayka says the move is meant to cut injuries by building a centralized, industry‑leading player‑care system for conditioning, rehabilitation and sport science.

Image
New Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager John Chayka speaks during a press conference in Toronto, on Monday, May 4, 2026. Chayka hired Andy O'Brien as the team's vice-president of sport on Aug. 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

Overview

  • The Maple Leafs announced on Monday that they hired Andy O’Brien as vice‑president of sport performance to oversee strength and conditioning, sport science, sports nutrition, injury rehabilitation and mental performance.
  • O’Brien will run a newly built department and immediately gained a supporting staff that includes Dr. Craig Slaunwhite, Jason Martin, Josh Crouse and Dr. Jordan Shallow.
  • General manager John Chayka framed the hire as an organizational investment to improve player durability after a 2025–26 season marked by key injuries and a missed playoff berth.
  • O’Brien is widely known for his long work with Sidney Crosby and has prior NHL roles with the Pittsburgh Penguins and as a consultant with the Florida Panthers, but coverage notes any link to a Crosby trade is speculative and unproven.
  • The addition signals a broader front‑office overhaul under Chayka and could change how the Leafs manage player availability and recovery, so watch preseason injury reports and how the new department integrates medical and performance staff.