After another disappointing Toronto Maple Leafs playoff loss, it's time to break up the core four forwards and that might mean moving on from Mitch Marner, who becomes a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. Rich Clune could be heading back to the NHL behind a bench. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that the former Toronto Maple Leafs forward and longtime captain of the Toronto Marlies is being looked at for an assistant coaching role with the Anaheim Ducks. Clune is currently an assistant coach with the Marlies, having only joined head coach John Gruden's bench this past season while simultaneously working for the Maple Leafs as part of their developmental staff. Clune first joined the Marlies as a player in 2015 and his contract was converted to an NHL contract later that season where he picked up four assists in 19 games with the Maple Leafs. Following that brief stint, he became a mainstay with the Marlies and was later named captain of the club, becoming a popular player in the room throughout the following six seasons. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmmDpzf6K0I[/embed] He announced his retirement from playing the game following the 2021-22 season an immediately joined Toronto's player development staff. Developing... Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related Maple Leafs' Jake McCabe Changes Agents, Eligible to Sign New Contract As Soon July 1 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-jake-mccabe-changes-agents-eligible-to-sign-new-contract-as-soon-july-1] Goaltender of Interest to Maple Leafs Off the Board as Flames Reportedly Trade Jacob Markstrom to Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/goaltender-of-interest-to-maple-leafs-off-the-board-as-flames-reportedly-trade-jacob-markstrom-to-devils] Report: Maple Leafs and Tyler Bertuzzi Hold 'Productive Talks' But Still No Deal for Pending Free Agent [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-maple-leafs-and-tyler-bertuzzi-hold-productive-talks-but-still-no-deal-for-pending-free-agent] News from THN.com NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest on Pavel Buchnevich, Logan Couture and Cam Atkinson [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-rumor-roundup-the-latest-on-pavel-buchnevich-logan-couture-and-cam-atkinson] Dallas Stars' Jim Nill Joins Elite Company With GM of the Year Award Win [https://thehockeynews.com/news/dallas-stars-jim-nill-joins-elite-company-with-gm-of-the-year-award-win] Opinion: Is Joe Pavelski a Hockey Hall of Famer? Sorry, But No [https://thehockeynews.com/news/is-joe-pavelski-a-hockey-hall-of-famer-sorry-but-no]
