The Toronto Maple Leafs have added a new face to their front office. The club is expected to hire Spokane Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz according to TSN 1260’s Guy Flaming.
Good scoop by @TPS_Guy. Long history between Speltz and Babcock and M.Hunter and Speltz got along well at under 18. https://t.co/EJmRLM2NXH
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) August 16, 2016
Tim Speltz is a highly credible and highly respected hockey man. Quality hire by the Maple Leafs.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) August 16, 2016
Toronto Maple Leafs to Hire Tim Speltz
Speltz will become the director of western scouting. It is a role that was originally intended for Brandon Wheat King’s owner, general manager and coach Kelly McCrimmon. McCrimmon ended up declining the Maple Leafs offer. He recently took an assistant general manager position with the expansion Las Vegas franchise.
Speltz has served as the general manager of the Chiefs since 1990. His tenure included a pair of WHL championships and Memorial Cup titles in 1991 and 2008. In addition, the 57-year-old has been named WHL Executive of the Year twice in his career, in 1995-96 and in 1999-00. During his 26-year tenure, the Chiefs have missed the playoffs only three times. Spokane has not missed postseason play since the 2005-06 season.
He also has ties with Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock. Babcock spent six seasons in Spokane, coaching the Chiefs from 1994 to 2000. It would not be surprising if Babcock played a role in the recruitment of Speltz.
With this hire, Speltz will work alongside director of player personnel Mark Hunter as he continues to build and mold the scouting department in the way he sees fit.
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