Former Leaf turned Marlies captain announces retirement, will take on a new role within the Leafs organization
After 16 pro seasons, including 7 with the Leafs organization, the Toronto Marlies have announced that captain Rich Clune has decided to hang up the skates on Thursday. In addition, Ryan Hardy, Leafs Assistant GM, Minor League Operations made the official announcement this morning that Clune would be staying on with the Leafs in a player development capacity, issuing the following statement.
The now 35-year-old was drafted in the third round, 71st overall in 2005 by the Dallas Stars, but didn't make his NHL debut until 2010 with the LA Kings. Following his time with the Kings and their farm teams, the Manchester Monarchs, Clune became an NHL regular, playing three years in Nashville before joining the Maple Leafs organization for the 2015-16 season and has been with them since.
Clune played with the Toronto Marlies for seven seasons, racking up 256 games with the team and was a veteran locker room leader for the young guys coming up. Clune won a Calder Cup in 2018 with the Marlies and was named captain in 2021. While he was not exactly known for his scoring prowess, Clune was a warrior on and off the ice for the organization. With him joining the Maple Leafs player development staff, he will bring knowledge, experience and a good energy to the players, teaching them what it takes to be pros and helping them to develop their skills and motivating them to work hard to help create a culture of healthy competition.
Congrats to Rich on his retirement and on his new position within the Leafs organization. With the type of player he was on the ice, I have no doubt that he'll be motivated to find success in his new role in player development.
