Toronto continued their front office makeover in knightly fashion.
The Leafs have hired Mark Hunter to be their new director of player personnel, the team announced Tuesday.
Hunter spent 12 seasons in the NHL, but has earned his management stripes the last 12 years as owner, vice-president, and general manager of the OHL’s London Knights. His brother, Dale, also played in the NHL and co-owns and coaches the Knights.
Hunter will oversee the team’s pro scouting, amateur scouting, and player evaluation departments. The move came as a surprise to many around the NHL who did not see this kind of hire coming. Leafs president Brendan Shanahan has made vast improvements to the team's front office since being hired with Hunter and most notably assistant general manager 28 year-old Kyle Dubas from the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL. Shanahan also added key analytic people as well as Brandon Pridham (assistant to the general manager) to manage the team's cap situation as well as player contracts.
Hunter is regarded as being well respected and having good connections around the game. He turned the OHL's London Knights into a powerhouse franchise thanks to the work done by him and his brother Dale.
Hunter also has coaching experience with the Sarnia Sting and his former London Knights team.