Ducks add Rich Clune to coaching staff

The former third-round had been part of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization since 2022, when his playing career ended.

The Ducks announced on Friday that they have added Rich Clune to their coaching staff. Clune spent the last nine seasons in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, with seven of those coming as a player and two of them as captain.

Clune remained in the Leafs organization as a player development coach after retiring in 2022 and joined their AHL coaching staff last season when assistant coach Eric Wellwood went on medical leave.

He helped turn the Marlies’ power play into one of the best in the league during the second half of the season and is expected to oversee the Ducks’ power play in his role as assistant coach.

On a personal level, Clune’s promotion to an NHL coaching staff is another rung up the ladder for someone who has been open about struggling with substance abuse. His story is an inspiring one for anyone fighting their own battles with substance abuse.

At age 37, Clune brings a different perspective than many of his older peers. He’s still barely removed from his playing days and his body of work with the Marlies’ young players certainly played a part in his hiring by the Ducks.