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The Toronto Maple Leafs were looking for an experienced assistant to replace the departed Dave Hakstol and found their man on Monday, as the club announced the hiring of Dean Chynoweth as assistant coach. The 52-year-old joins the Leafs staff that includes Manny Malhotra and Paul MacLean and is expected to assume the role that Hakstol did, working with the Toronto defense.
“After spending time with Dean, it became clear that his knowledge, passion and personality would make him the right fit,… Keefe said in a press release on Monday. “We’re fortunate to add someone of his quality and experience to our staff.…
Chynoweth has a long history as an NHL assistant, with stints with the New York Islanders and the last three seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, as well as head coaching experience with Seattle and Swift Current of the Western Hockey League and Cleveland and San Antonio of the American Hockey League.
“As someone who grew up in western Canada and watched the Maple Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada every weekend, I’m thrilled to join the team’s coaching staff,… said Chynoweth. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to work alongside Sheldon, the rest of the staff and the talented group of players in Toronto.…
Chynoweth was a first round pick of the Islanders in 1987 and played 10 NHL seasons with New York and the Boston Bruins.
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A lot has been made on social media of Auston Matthews being spotted at UFC264 on the weekend with teammate Joe Thornton and whether that has anything to do with the possibility of the Leafs bringing back the 42-year-old for another season.
Auston Matthews (@AM34) and Joe Thornton, best friends at #UFC264. 😎
— NHL (@NHL) July 12, 2021
(📸 @UFC_CA) pic.twitter.com/vLySXFkb04
Thornton had 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) in 44 games last season and missed 12 games with a rib fracture and lower body injury and had a couple long stretches where he did not score, but was also effective at times in other situations.
It is unknown whether the Leafs have interest in bringing Jumbo Joe back or whether he has any interest coming back for another year, but if so it would have to be at the league minimum $750,000 as Jason Spezza did.
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Lot’s of â¤ï¸ for the 💙ðŸ¤
— Norman James (@IamNormanJames) April 26, 2021
Convo on Podcast.#theleafsconvo https://t.co/Xdn3CDLVCI
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