The Toronto Maple Leafs have made the hiring of savvy front office personnel a habit in years past. That trend continued today as the team announced the additions of Stephane Robidas and Jack Han to the organizations player development department.
Robidas, the infamous former Leafs defenceman, will assume the role of assistant director of player development. Meanwhile, Han is handed the title of player development analyst.
Toronto Maple Leafs Hire Stephane Robidas and Jack Han
Robidas (off the) Island
The announcement works to formally introduce Robidas as a member of the Leafs front office. For the better part of 2016-17, Robidas had served as a consultant for the organization. During his tenure, he specifically worked with the young defencemen of the Toronto Marlies.
As assistant director of player development, it is expected that Robidas will continue to work alongside the organizations young players. As a former veteran defenceman himself, Robidas’ experience and overall hockey knowledge will serve as a valuable commodity to the Leafs defence prospects.
Han-Alytics
Jack Han’s appointment as player development analyst serves as perhaps the most interesting addition of the day. With an analytics-heavy background, Han’s #1MinuteTactics videos have garnered widespread adoration from those within the hockey world. In the videos, Han demonstrates a unique ability to break down a series of on ice events and analyze them in a succinct manner.
The addition of Han continues the Leafs emphasis on the importance of analytics. Former bloggers such as Cam Charron, Darryl Metcalfe, and Rob Pettapiece now occupy the organizations analytics department. Han previously served as one of the initial hires made by the Toronto division of The Athletic, so he should fit right in.
These moves further the notion that the Leafs will flex their financial strength in order to create an organizational advantage. There exists no salary cap for front office personnel, and the Leafs have taken full advantage of such freedom.
As the beginning of the NHL season draws closer, it is only a matter of time before fans can see whether this strategy has paid off.
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