Toronto Maple Leafs: Marlies Name Greg Moore As Head Coach
By Nick Barden
After Sheldon Keefe was promoted to head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, there then came questions about the Toronto Marlies coaching staff.
Once Sheldon Keefe came to the Toronto Maple Leafs — Kyle Dubas started the search to find a new head coach for the Marlies.
At first, there was chatter about whether or not one of the assistant coaches could take over the role. That was ruled out; so Dubas and Marlies GM, Laurence Gilman went searching outside the organization.
They found Greg Moore.
For the past two seasons, Moore has been the head coach of the USHL’s Chicago Steel. Throughout his tenure with the club, he is leaving with a 52-25-5 record in 82 games.
He’s coming into a Marlies team that only has six losses this season and is first place in the North Division.
“After a detailed review, it was clear to us that Greg Moore was the best fit to become the Head Coach of the Marlies,” said Dubas in a media release, “Greg’s record in development and winning with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and the USHL’s Chicago Steel to begin his coaching career made us take great notice of him as a candidate.”
How will Moore’s hiring affect the team going forward?
Moore won’t be with the Marlies for a few weeks, according to Jonas Siegel of the Athletic.
Kyle Dubas says new Marlies coach Greg Moore will spend the next two weeks with Sheldon Keefe and the Leafs coaching staff to learn about the organization. He’ll take over the Marlies on Dec. 16.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) December 2, 2019
The Marlies have played great since Keefe’s promotion — winning five games and only suffering one loss. Two players who have played particularly well since Keefe’s departure are Pontus Aberg and Kenny Agostino.
Aberg, who’s 7th in AHL scoring has eight points in his last five games, while Agostino (15th in AHL scoring) has six points in his last five games.
This season, goaltending hasn’t been an issue for the Marlies. Kasimir Kaskisuo and Joseph Woll have been sharing the duties, while Michael Hutchinson did come down and play three games, but since is back up with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 10 games, Kaskisuo has a 0.924 save percentage and eight wins, which is tied for 4th most in the AHL. Woll, who’s in his rookie season has four wins in eight games posting a .895 save percentage.
Moore is set to join the Marlies on December 16th, with his first game being against the Belleville Senators.
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When he does come in, I don’t think Moore will change how the team plays right away. I believe he will learn alongside Keefe in the next two weeks, then use what he learned with the Marlies once he arrives.
Until then, it’s time for Moore to get to know the systems, styles of play and what the organization will want out of him, once going to the Marlies in two weeks.