#Devils pursuit caused discord that led to John Chayka’s Coyotes resignation

John Chayka got burned after trying to make a deal with the Devils.

Chayka, who became the youngest general manager in major-league sports history upon being hired by the Arizona Coyotes at the age of 26 in 2016, resigned from his position as GM and president of hockey operations right before the team was set to make its first playoff appearance in eight years. According to multiple reports, Chayka’s relationship with new team owner Alex Meruelo was irrevocably damaged when the general manager lied about having a job interview with the Devils — owned by the 76ers-led Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who are also bidding to take control of the Mets — who reportedly then were uninterested in hiring Chayka.

Following Chayka’s resignation, the Coyotes released an uncharacteristically hostile statement.

“The Club is disappointed in his actions and his timing, as the Coyotes prepare to enter the NHL’s hub city of Edmonton, where the team will begin postseason play for the first time since 2012. Chayka has chosen to quit on a strong and competitive team, a dedicated staff, and the Arizona Coyotes fans, the greatest fans in the NHL,” the Coyotes said in the statement.

Chayka later released a statement, too.

“I love our players, coaches, staff and fans and I very much wish I could be with the team in Edmonton. Sadly, the situation created by ownership made that an impossibility,” Chayka said. “That’s all I intend to say on this matter for now. A fuller, more detailed explanation may be necessary in the near future.”

Nine months ago, Chayka was given a three-year extension from Meruelo.

“I am fully confident that John is the right person to lead us moving forward and help us bring the Stanley Cup to Arizona,” Meruelo said then.

However, roughly a month ago, an NHL owner asked Meruelo for permission to speak with Chayka, which the former denied. Chayka reportedly then lied to Meruelo, telling the owner that he wasn’t seeking a position with another team, but seeking to “build relationships with owners in hockey” and “get market knowledge,” according to ESPN. Afterwards, Chayka told Meruelo he sought to be released from his contract, so he could accept a new position with the team, which he said allowed greater opportunities within the Devils’ owners vast sports portfolio.

Meruelo felt “betrayed,” according to ESPN, but offered to discuss the situation after the season. Chayka was skeptical of ownership, and felt that was “unreasonable,” according to the report, which said tensions elevated when Meruelo learned the position Chayka desired was more similar to the one he held Arizona then Chayka had led him to believe.

“This is where things fell apart. The Coyotes felt it was a pattern of misrepresentation,” a source told ESPN. “He tried to finesse it. There are some people that just think they’re the smartest people in the room, and every now and then it comes back to bite them.”

Still, Chayka was expected to join the team in Edmonton, but the general manager refused to partake in COVID-19 testing protocol, according to ESPN, ensuring he couldn’t go. The Coyotes considered the move a “material breach of contract.” Chayka then walked away from the deal he signed less than a year ago.