A potential factor in the Leafs management mix is Kelly McCrimmon of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. The brother former Red Wings assistant coach Brad McCrimmon has a relationship with head coach Mike Babcock and was acknowledged by the new Toronto bench boss for having one of the best eyes for hockey talent at his press conference last month.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that the Leafs interviewed McCrimmon for a management position last week, but that he is not being considered for the vacant general manager’s position. It is undetermined whether the 54-year-old wants to leave a situation where he wears every hat (owner/general manager/coach) or would choose an NHL scenario where he would have more power.
Based on the fact that he is not being considered for GM, it is possible that McCrimmon could replace Mark Hunter as the club’s Director of Player Personnel if he is promoted to GM, but reports indicate that Brendan Shanahan is looking for a manager with NHL experience and would prefer that Hunter remain in primarily a scouting/talent evaluation role.
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Scratch Guy Boucher from the list of possible assistants for the Leafs coaching staff. The former Lightning coach was in consideration for the last remaining vacant NHL job in New Jersey, but his contractual window to leave his position with SC Bern of the Swiss League expired on the weekend.
McKenzie mentioned that Toronto remains interested in Soo Greyhounds head coach Sheldon Keefe in some role, whether it be as head coach of the AHL Toronto Marlies or as an assistant to Babcock with the Leafs.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs continued to add to their organizational restructuring on Monday, as they announced the hiring of Dr. Jeremy Bettle as its new Director of Sports Science & Performance.
Bettle was previously the strength and conditioning coach and director of nutrition for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and for Team USA’s Men’s Basketball program for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
“We are thrilled to add Dr. Bettle to our program today and name him Director of Sports Science & Performance for all of our hockey entities,… Leafs Assistant General Manager said Kyle Dubas in a press release.
Bettle will oversee all areas of the Maple Leafs, Marlies and prospects as it relates to strength and conditioning, nutrition, injury prevention, injury rehabilitation and all factors pertaining to athlete performance optimization.
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