Toronto Maple Leafs hire Paul MacLean as assistant coach

Just like we all expected, The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Paul MacLean as their new assistant coach.

MacLean joins Manny Malhotra as the organizations new assistant coaches after Andrew Brewer and Paul McFarland left the organization.

“Over nearly two decades as an NHL coach, Paul has filled every role on a coaching staff, winning a Stanley Cup and Jack Adams trophy along the way,” said Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe in a statement. “Adding someone of Paul’s expertise and character to advise and assist our staff is something that we felt was very important as we seek to make tangible steps next season.”

A former NHL goal scorer that potted 324 goals in 719 games, MacLean has been a pro hockey coach since 1993-94 when he ran the bench for the IHL’s Peoria Rivermen. Since then, he’s held assistant coaching roles with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Detroit Red Wings, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Notably, MacLean ran the bench for the Ottawa Senators for four years between 2011 and 2015. In those four years, the Sens made two playoff appearances and posted a 114-90-35 record. MacLean was let go when the Senators went 11-11-5 in the clubs’ first 27 games in 2014-15.

MacLean won the Jack Adams award as the league’s top head coach in 2012-13 after being named a finalist the year prior. With MacLean on a bench as an assistant, the teams he has helped coach made 11 playoff appearances, three appearances in the cup finals and one Stanley Cup win in 2008.

Rumours had swirled since the Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs that Bruce Boudreau might be taking an assistant role with the organization.

Paul MacLean’s son, A.J., has been an assistant coach with the Toronto Marlies since 2015. His other son, David, works as a pro scout for the Montreal Canadiens.

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