Coyotes GM John Chayka ranks high on NHL’s most important people list
Oct 12, 2016, 2:32 PM | Updated: Oct 14, 2016, 2:18 pm
Newly appointed Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka speaks at a news conference announcing his promotion as head coach Dave Tippett listens, Thursday, May 5, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. Chayka is the youngest GM in NHL history. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
The Arizona Coyotes made waves when they promoted assistant general manager John Chayka to the general manager position in May.
USA Today compiled a list of the NHL’s 50 most important people, and Chayka was No. 16.
When he was promoted in May at age 26, he became the youngest GM in the history of the four major sports. Chayka is a leader among the game’s new thinkers who emphasize analytics. You can be sure other owners are watching how he does.
After Don Maloney was let go, Chayka was tabbed as the team’s eighth GM, which surprised many people because of his age and lack of experience. The Coyotes believed Chayka was a good candidate, as the team is moving in the direction of analytics, and Chayka fits that mold perfectly.
Prior to last season when he was hired on as assistant GM, Chayka co-founded Stathletes Inc., and served as director of hockey operations. Stathletes is a company that puts analytics under the microscope and brings precise statistics to North American hockey leagues.
Despite being only 26, and having little experience, Chayka is the man when it comes to analytics, and that’s exactly what the Coyotes want.
