The Toronto Maple Leafs have appointed Mark Leach as their new director of amateur scouting, as confirmed by the team on Thursday.
Leach joins the Maple Leafs after an 11-year tenure with the Dallas Stars, where he worked closely in the amateur scouting department alongside general manager Jim Nill and director of amateur scouting Joe McDonnell. Nill, known for his role in player development with the Red Wings and later as assistant general manager before joining the Stars, strongly endorsed Leach’s capabilities.
The move follows Wes Clark’s departure from the Maple Leafs to the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 9, where he will report directly to Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. Clark’s tenure included overseeing the Maple Leafs’ selections of Easton Cowan in the 2023 NHL Draft and Ben Danford in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Mark Leach, aged 62, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having originally been hired by the Detroit Red Wings in 1994. During his two decades with the Red Wings, he made significant contributions as an amateur scout, playing a pivotal role in the team’s successes during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including four Stanley Cup victories in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008.
Leach’s appointment marks another strategic move in Brad Treliving’s ongoing restructuring of the Maple Leafs’ front office. Alongside Treliving, Brendan Shanahan, and head coach Craig Berube, Leach is set to play a crucial role during a pivotal phase for the Maple Leafs.
Looking ahead, Leach will oversee the development of prospects like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten, both of whom are expected to vie for spots on the NHL roster in the upcoming season. His extensive scouting background and previous coaching experience at the NCAA level with Michigan Tech from 1990 to 1992 position him well to guide the Maple Leafs’ developmental pipeline as the team aims to bolster its competitive standing.
Overall, Leach’s appointment underscores the Maple Leafs’ commitment to enhancing their scouting and player development infrastructure. His blend of championship pedigree and scouting acumen is expected to contribute significantly as Toronto strives to strengthen its roster and achieve success in the competitive landscape of professional hockey.
