TORONTO — Hayley Wickenheiser announced her departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs front office in an Instagram post on Thursday, July 9, 2026. She said the move came after "several discussions" with general manager John Chayka.

"During those conversations, my expectation was that I would be in a position to continue to have a significant impact within the organization," Wickenheiser said. "However, it became clear that his leadership group envisioned a different path."

Wickenheiser joined the team in August 2018 as assistant director of player development and was named assistant general manager in July 2022. "I want to sincerely thank the incredibly talented individuals, coaches, management, and players whom I have been fortunate enough to work alongside over the last eight years," she said.

Chayka said in a statement that the organization made the decision to part ways with some valued colleagues as part of an ongoing evaluation. "As part of our ongoing evaluation of the organization, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with some valued colleagues," Chayka said. "These decisions were not easy and are not a reflection of the commitment of the impacted people."

"We are sincerely grateful for everything they have contributed to this organization and wish them nothing but the very best in the future," he said. Multiple front-office employees were let go by the team during the week of July 9, 2026.

During her playing career, Wickenheiser led Canada to four Olympic titles and seven world championships. She is Canada's career points leader with 168 goals and 211 assists in 276 games.