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Rich Clune sends a heartfelt farewell after tenure in Toronto comes to an end

The hockey world watches as Rich Clune, a name synonymous with dedication on and off the ice, shifts his expertise from player to coach, departing from Toronto.

Clune, whose career spanned a decade with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Marlies, has now embraced a new challenge with the Anaheim Ducks as an assistant coach.

Clune's journey through hockey's echelons has been nothing short of exemplary. Retiring after the 2021-2022 season, he didn't stray far from the rink. His initial step into coaching as a player development coach for the Leafs demonstrated his commitment to nurturing future talent, a role he soon expanded upon by joining the Marlies' coaching staff in November of the last season. His recent move to Anaheim symbolizes a new chapter, promising to bring his wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game to the Ducks.

»Thank you to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Marlies for the opportunity to coach since retiring as a player. It was an honour to serve our amazing fans, and thank you to all of the players for their hard work and dedication.

Special thanks to Toronto's incredible leaders - Larry Tanenbaum, Brendan Shanahan, Brad Treliving, Hayley Wickenheiser, Ryan Hardy, and John Gruden for your guidance, and to Kyle Dubas and Lou Lamoriello for their impact during my time in Toronto. My family and I are humbled and extremely excited for the opportunity to join the Anaheim Ducks organization.»

Throughout his playing career, Clune demonstrated an undeniable prowess, helping lead the Marlies to a Calder Cup victory in 2018. His record boasts 593 career AHL games with 57 goals, 151 points, and an impressive 1,607 penalty minutes. Clune's NHL journey included 139 games, reflecting his role as a robust and spirited player ever since being drafted by the Dallas Stars.

This new appointment not only speaks to Clune's legacy but also to the evolving dynamics within the coaching realms of professional hockey. As Clune adapts his hard-won insights from the ice to strategies behind the bench, the Anaheim Ducks gain a seasoned strategist poised to elevate their game in the coming seasons.

Previously on MapleLeafsLatest

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Kyle Dubas' 3 worst decisions during his stint as GM in Toronto

POLL
23 JUIN \| 121 ANSWERS Rich Clune sends a heartfelt farewell after tenure in Toronto comes to an end Should the Leafs have given Clune a position on Berube's staff to keep him in Toronto?
Yes	38	31.4 %
No, he's too inexperienced	83	68.6 %
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