The Ducks are looking to obtain a new coach for their AHL affiliate team, the San Diego Gulls. Former NHL tough guy and current Toronto Marlies assistant coach Rich Clune appears to be on their radar, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.
Clune suited up for 139 NHL games during his career, tallying 22 points in that span. Clune was mostly known as an enforcer on the ice, as he put up a total of 327 PIMs in his NHL playing career.
The former Marlies captain became the assistant coach of the AHL affiliate in 2023, a year after he retired from pro-hockey. Clune is a very popular member of the Marlies staff, as he as seen as very relatable, carrying strong relationships with the players, drawing on his knowledge of the group and from his experience in professional hockey.
Clune is also an advocate for players' mental health, as he shared his story on addiction and mental illness through a documentary entitled "Hi, My Name is Dicky." Clune, recently did a piece in 2023 with the CAMH Foundation, targeting the importance of mental health in professional athletes.
