Toronto Maple Leafs snatch leading scout from the NHL's top drafting team

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Gabriel Sami
July 18, 2024 (8:31 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs announced a compelling new hire for their front office today, replacing a staff member who was taken by former GM Kyle Dubas.

Mark Leach has been named the Toronto Maple Leafs' new Director of Amateur Scouting, according to today's announcement.

We've hired Mark Leach as the team's Director of Amateur Scouting

This change follows the departure of Wes Clarke, the former Director of Amateur Scouting for the Maple Leafs, who was recruited by ex-General Manager Kyle Dubas.

Clarke has taken on the role of Vice President of Player Personnel with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins have named Wes Clark Vice President of Player Personnel.

Clark will oversee the club's amateur, professional and college/European free agent scouting departments and will report directly to Kyle Dubas.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' new hire, Mark Leach, arrives from the Dallas Stars, a franchise celebrated for its strong drafting track record. Notably, the Stars have identified late first-round prospects like Jason Robertson, who is related to Maple Leafs prospect Nick Robertson.

Throughout Mark Leach's time with the Dallas Stars, they have drafted several notable talents, such as superstar goalie Jake Oettinger, defenseman Miro Heiskanen, forward Roope Hintz, top prospect Logan Stankoven, and breakout star Wyatt Johnston.

Per release, "Leach worked directly with the Stars' Director of Amateur Scouting to oversee the Club's successful drafting efforts"

Dallas has drafted the likes of Jason Robertson, Jake Oettinger, Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven, Thomas Harley, and Mavrik Bourque in recent years

Following Wes Clarke's exit, there were worries that the Toronto Maple Leafs' scouting department might experience a drop in quality. However, the addition of Mark Leach brings a promising outlook, as his previous team's success suggests the Maple Leafs' scouting could not only sustain its excellence but potentially improve further.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Toronto Maple Leafs steal top scout from the best drafting team in the NHL

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JUILLET 18 \| 105 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs snatch leading scout from the NHL's top drafting team Will Mark Leach's hiring enhance the Toronto Maple Leafs' scouting department?
Yes	64	61 %
No	41	39 %
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