News & Rumors About the Maple Leafs: Clune, Reaves, & McCabe

News & Rumors About the Maple Leafs: Clune, Reaves, & McCabe

In this installment of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll examine a few team-related news stories. One has some positive news on Rich Clune, one of the greatest Maple Leafs mentors of all time, who works with young players. He had an outstanding career with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). It appears that people outside the corporation are appreciating his worth.

Next, I’ll examine one of the most impressive player comebacks in Maple Leafs history during the 2023–24 campaign. Ryan Reaves is that person. Despite having a terrible start to the season, he managed to get his act together and developed into a reliable depth player. What will become of him in the upcoming season?

In closing, I inform you that Jake McCabe has enlisted the services of a new player agency to represent him while he gets ready to start contract talks with general manager Brad Treliving. By July, he’s probably gearing up for contract negotiations.

First item: Will Rich Clune be joining the Ducks?

The Anaheim Ducks are reportedly interested in hiring Rich Clune, the assistant coach for the Marlies, for an assistant coach role, according to a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Clune began his career with the Toronto organization as a player development staff member and worked his way up to assistant coach the Marlies in 2023–2024. The 37-year-old is highly regarded within the Maple Leafs system and is beginning to gain recognition as a bright coach outside the team. Clune’s transfer to the Ducks, a young, skilled team going through a rebuild, seems like a logical step forward for him.

After a career that included 539 AHL games and 139 NHL games, former NHL forward Clune retired in the 2021–2022 season. Throughout his last two professional seasons, he captained the Marlies and demonstrated leadership both on and off the ice. During the 2009–10 year, Clune made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings. In 2015–16, he signed with the Marlies after playing with the Kings and the Nashville Predators. In the season immediately preceding Auston Matthews’ entrance, he also made a brief appearance with the Maple Leafs.

For Clune, working with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL seemed ideal. He would be able to collaborate directly with guys who are about to see regular NHL action. His background as a player, his leadership as a captain, and his newfound viewpoint as a relatively young coach might make him a valuable mentor to the Ducks’ budding players. I wish Clune the best of luck. He is among the good people.

Item 2: Ryan Reaves’ Unexpected Comeback This Season

Reaves’ 2023–24 campaign was up and down. Early in the season, he had trouble. But by the end, he was turning into a useful fourth-line player. Though his play on the ice was lackluster, his physical play was always evident. He had a poor plus/minus, didn’t start out with any offensive production, and was soon taken out of the starting lineup.

Reaves, though, jumped at the chance to try again and put on a strong performance against the Winnipeg Jets in late January. Things took a turn for the worse after that. He began to shine in territory battles, shot attempts, and anticipated goal stats as a fourth-line player. He began to play a more straightforward and successful game plan that focused on possession management and forechecking. His performance strengthened the group’s fourth line.

Reaves’s physical presence persisted throughout the season, and his astute puck handling and persistent board play were essential components of his team’s strategy. He even seemed to gain confidence and speed at the same time, which gave him a big momentum boost.

Reaves will rejoin the Maple Leafs at the age of 37. When utilized well, his physicality and enthusiasm may motivate the team. Even though he probably won’t play the entire 82-game season, they still hope he can provide seasoned leadership, straightforward gameplay, and a vital spark when called upon. His problems at one point caused the team to falter. Still, his return gave valuable depth and a significant presence throughout a taxing NHL season. Hopefully, he can repeat the feat in 2024–2025.

What Does the Maple Leafs’ Future Hold?

Jake McCabe has enlisted the services of a new legal firm. Anticipated to be an unrestricted free agency following the 2024–25 NHL season, the tough defenseman is putting in some prep work in preparation for his upcoming deal. He moved his representation to one of the more reputable player representation organizations, Bartlett Hockey. In addition, Bartlett represents players including Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Bobby McMann, and Cale Makar.

Since coming to Toronto, McCabe has developed into a reliable defenseman for the group. He is set to sign a contract extension with the Maple Leafs as soon as July 1st. Over the course of two seasons and nearly 100 games, he has averaged 20:23 per game with the Maple Leafs. The team will put in a lot of effort to get him back, I’m sure.