Toronto Maple Leafs: Marlies News and Notes vol. 2

Sep 29, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Rich Clune (38) fights Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mike Weber (6) during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Rich Clune (38) fights Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mike Weber (6) during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs farm club, the Toronto Marlies , has re-signed Rich Clune.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate the Marlies made some moves today. It was announced that Toronto boy Rich Clune, 30, has re-signed with the Marlies.

Selected by the Dallas Stars in the third-round in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Clune has appeared in 139 NHL games with the Kings, Predators and Leafs. As a result of an injury-plagued 2016-17 season, Clune skated in just 37 regular season and five playoff games scoring 4 goals and 12 points. Furthermore, as an assistant captain, his leadership qualities are well-respected by his teammates and coaches.

 Clune’s is a Vital Presence Since the Marlies Will Dress 8 + Rookies in 2017-18

A quick look at the 2017-18 line-up shows the Marlies are expected to dress eight or more AHL rookies. Adam Brooks, Jeremy Bracco, Miro Aaltonen, Carl Grundstrom, Calle Rosen, Andreas Borgman, Nikolas Brouillard and Kasmir Kaskisuo are all “officially” first-year AHL players.

Clune is an agitator who can also play. He has a similar role to Matt Martin with the Leafs. A good skater and a force on the ice, Clune will hit anything that moves. He is disruptive on the forecheck and puck recovery. He can chip in timely goals as well.

While Andrew Campbell is still unsigned, Clune is probably the best choice as the Marlies captain for the upcoming season. The Marlies will be an exciting team to watch this season with another influx of highly skilled kids. The prospect pipeline continues to produce due to Mark Hunter and his skills uncovering talent.

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Andrew Campbell is still unsigned, Clune is probably the best choice as the Marlies captain for the upcoming season. The Marlies will be an exciting team to watch this season with another influx of highly skilled kids. The prospect pipeline continues to produce due to Mark Hunter and his skills uncovering talent.

Clune is well-known for his battle with alcohol which he outlines in a well-respected article for the Bloggers Tribune, published July 2015. Welcome back Dickey, the kids look up to you and the great example you set. As Mike Babcock states, “He is a good pro as well as being a good man”.

Toronto Maple Leafs/Marlies Front Office Shuffle

Former Director of Hockey Operations and Governor Brad Lynn and Media Relations Coordinator Colin McBride are joining the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lynn joins the Leafs as Director of Team Operations after spending seven years with the Marlies while McBride is being promoted to the Leafs’ media relations staff as Coordinator.The Toronto Marlies announced today the hiring of Mike Dixon as Director of Hockey Operations and Alternate Governor. The Marlies also hired Will Sibley as Hockey Operations, Analyst.Marlies.ca

Mike Dixon joins the Maple Leafs organization from the Florida Panthers.  He has been with the Panthers since 2007 and most recently served as the club’s Director of Hockey Ops. Dixon will serve as Director of Hockey Operations and Alternate Governor for the Toronto Marlies.

Will Sibley joins the Marlies after spending the past season as Video Coach and Statistical Analyst for the Kitchener Rangers. Sibley owns Control the Crease Goaltending and works with elite level goaltenders in the Waterloo region.

Next: Free Agency Opens

MLSE continues to add  talent both on the ice and within the management structure further strengthening the foundation Brendan Shanahan has laid.

all stats: Marlies.ca, hockeydb.com