In possibly the most obvious move of the new John Chayka – Mats Sundin administration, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun broke the story that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Shane Doan have parted ways. The former Arizona Coyotes winger was brought in by former GM Brad Treliving to serve as a Special Assistant to the GM, and according to LeBrun, his contract with the Leafs was set to expire on June 30.
Doan was seen frequently in Buffalo last season, scouting the Sabres and other NHL clubs, while also watching his son, Josh. The 49-year-old interviewed with Vancouver for their vacant GM job, and there has long been animosity between him and Chayka going back to his stint with the Coyotes. There is expected to be a number of additions and subtractions over the next few months. Derek Clancey, also brought in by Treliving three years ago as an assistant GM, is another in management who could be on their way out.
In Toronto Marlies news, the club will begin its best-of-five Calder Cup Division Final series in Cleveland on Thursday, and on Monday, they have recalled defenseman Ben Danford from the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs. The 20-year-old blueliner had 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) in 45 games between Oshawa and Brantford this season, and became available after the Bulldogs were eliminated by Barrie last week. It is
“Looking forward to it. (The) last thing I want to do is go home & sit around for a couple weeks.” Danford said. “This is going to be fun. They’ve been playing great here and (have a) great lineup and just such a great group. You can already tell how tight they are.”
Danford indicated that he will practice with the club before the start of the series with the Monsters, and Marlies head coach John Gruden indicated that he will try to acclimate the youngster to the group, but did not indicate whether he will play in the series.
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