Maple Leafs announce new staff positions for Jake Muzzin, Curtis McElhinney and Chris Bourque

Jake Muzzin, who is currently on long-term injured reserve, was named a pro scout. Curtis McElhinney has been hired as the director of goaltending development and scouting. Lastly, Chris Bourque will start in a newly created position as a college free agent scout.

Muzzin won’t play in 2023-24 because of the veteran defenseman’s cervical spine injury last season. The injury hampered Muzzin considerably and only allowed him to suit up in four games over the previous year. Losing Muzzin for the full season is a huge blow to Toronto’s defensive core and should allow for other defensemen to receive increased ice time moving forward. However, his addition to the scouting staff should be an asset for the Leafs, considering how recently he has played in the NHL and the insight that comes with such experiences.

Muzzin recorded 69 goals and 294 points in 683 games played. He also helped the Los Angeles Kings win the Stanley Cup in 2014.

McElhinney becomes a member of the Leafs staff after a lengthy NHL career that spanned 13 years. Most notably, McElhinney spent time from 2013 to 2017 as the backup goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He even had a stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2016-18, mainly serving as Frederik Andersen’s backup. McElhinney also spent time with the Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Bourque joined the Leafs scouting staff in 2022-23 after a 17-year playing career. The 33rd overall pick in the 2004 draft spent much of his hockey career in the AHL and playing overseas in the DEL. However, he did see some NHL action for the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins between 2007 and 2010. In a total of 51 NHL games played, Bourque registered two goals and six assists.