Confirmed with Link: Rich Clune retires -- Joins Leafs development staff

[SprDaVE]

I was going to only post this in the Marlies thread but since he's joining the Leafs staff in player development, figured it deserved it's own thread.

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[LeafChief]

Probably for the best. He was a good leader for the Marlies young players but anytime he dressed he was more or less a waste of a spot.


This allows him to continue what he's good at while not taking a roster spot from a young player.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Congrats to him.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Probably for the best. He was a good leader for the Marlies young players but anytime he dressed he was more or less a waste of a spot.


This allows him to continue what he's good at while not taking a roster spot from a young player.

He was actually somewhat effective when he played, so he was less of a waste than some of the other depth guys who were played last year.

But with Clifford re-signed and Simmonds hopefully losing his NHL job to better players, we have better guys to fill the hole.

Real question is who becomes the Marlies' new captain? They may just run with assistants for a few years again, or maybe they will give it to Clifford.

 

[Stephen]

Good for Rich Clune. Looking back he put in a lot of solid years as a good soldier for the organization and is making the transition to company man.

 

[Menzinger]

Very nice to see. Everything I've read and seen from him over the past few years just absolutely suggests he's perfect for a developmental type role

 

[Primary Assist]

16 years in a meat and potatoes role, that takes some serious discipline and perseverance. Glad they're keeping him around, sounds like a great role model for the young ones

 

[The Iceman]

Would love to see Simmonds as the captain of the Marlies...he would be perfect for that role.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Would love to see Simmonds as the captain of the Marlies...he would be perfect for that role.

I feel like Simmonds may just retire after this year. He has made his money and he has a lot of mileage playing a tough style. Probably not worth him making a lot less just to be an AHL grinder.

Clifford may have a few more years left in him. He can probably be our Clune for the next 5 years.

 

[paulhiggins]

Way to go Rich. Hopefully you can instill some of your leadership, bravery, heart, toughness and resilience in your players.

 

[Havoc]

Wow big accomplishment not having to prove himself on the 4th line before moving into management. I guess we do plan to use the 4th line to play hockey this season

 

[meefer]

With both Spezza and Clune stepping into management/development positions with the Leafs, I'll suggest that the organization is recognizing the value of helping younger players develop in ways outside of the rink. Spezza was a solid citizen in the NHL for years, Clune overcoming addiction when he was young and becoming a valued member of AHL organizations for his professionalism offer our young players 'sounding boards' that can speak to the demands of the NHL/AHL both on and off the ice. Thanks for your efforts, Dicky, good luck in the future.

 

[ACC1224]

With Clune joining the management team Wickehieser is no longer the toughest member.

I’m guessing he reports to her?