Former Stanley Cup winner Erik Johnson has publicly commended the Toronto Maple Leafs for their decision to invest heavily in the hiring of Andy O’Brien. Following the announcement that O’Brien had joined the franchise earlier this week as the new vice president of Sport Performance, Johnson took to his X account to express his strong approval, stating that whatever the organization paid for his services was worth every penny, adding that the value is worth “x10000.”
O’Brien brings a wealth of experience to Toronto, having previously served as the director of sports science and performance for the Pittsburgh Penguins and as a high-performance consultant for the Florida Panthers. Notably, he has also acted as Sidney Crosby’s personal trainer for the past two decades. In his own remarks regarding the move, O’Brien noted that the progressive vision presented by General Manager John Chayka was the primary factor that convinced him to join the 13-time Stanley Cup champions.
This appointment represents a significant step in the ongoing front office and coaching overhaul orchestrated by Chayka, who has implemented sweeping changes to the team’s leadership and roster in a short timeframe. The restructuring follows a difficult 2025-26 campaign for the Maple Leafs, where the team finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 32-36-14 record and missed the postseason entirely. With the addition of prospect Gavin McKenna and a significantly revamped roster, expectations are shifting as the club prepares for the upcoming season under new management.
The hiring of O’Brien has also sparked broader discussions within the league, including speculation regarding the potential future of stars like Sidney Crosby in Toronto. Meanwhile, the hockey community remains focused on other major narratives, such as Janet Gretzky’s recent response to public criticism regarding her husband Wayne Gretzky’s loyalty to Canada, as well as the support offered by Bobby Orr following the 4 Nations drama.
Days after becoming the Maple Leafs’ new VP of Sport Performance, Andy O’Brien revealed what led him to join the 13-time Stanley Cup winners.
