Hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser and the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs have parted ways after Wickenheiser spent the past eight seasons with the organization.

Beginning as an assistant director of player development in 2018-19, Wickenheiser was promoted to Director of Player Development, and then Assistant General Manager, a role she held from 2022 until 2026.

"For the past eight seasons, it has been an incredible honor to work for the Toronto Maple Leafs," Wickenheiser wrote on Instagram. "Over the last few days, John Chayka and I had several discussions about my role moving forward. During those conversations, my expectation was that I would be in a position to continue to have a significant impact within the organization. However, it became clear that his leadership group envisioned a different path."

"Since joining the club in 2018, I have been immensely proud of the work our player development team has accomplished. 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. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity, wish the team nothing but the best moving forward, and look forward to the next chapter."

As a player, Wickenheiser is one of the most decorated athletes in the game inducted to the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2019, and Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020. 

She won four Olympic gold medals and seven World Championship gold medals as a member of Team Canada. She was also a two-time Olympic MVP, and seven-time World Championship All-Star.