Toronto Maple Leafs hire new assistant coach Dean Chynoweth

The Toronto Maple Leafs have replaced Dave Hakstol, who was named the Seattle Kraken’s first head coach late last month, with Dean Chynoweth, as the team announced earlier on Monday.

#Leafs have hired former Carolina Hurricanes assistant Dean Chynoweth to replace Dave Hakstol on Sheldon Keefe's coaching staff pic.twitter.com/r3tjrjCkPg

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 12, 2021

Chynoweth, 52, will serve as an assistant after spending the past three seasons in the same role with the Carolina Hurricanes.

“After spending time with Dean, it became clear that his knowledge, passion and personality would make him the right fit,” said Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe in a press release. “We’re fortunate to add someone of his quality and experience to our staff.”

Chynoweth then spent three campaigns behind the bench as an assistant with the New York Islanders (2009-12). A four-year stint in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters and San Antonio Rampage followed. He was also the assistant coach for Canada at the world juniors in 2003-04.

“As someone who grew up in western Canada and watched the Maple Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada every weekend, I’m thrilled to join the team’s coaching staff,” said Chynoweth. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to work alongside Sheldon, the rest of the staff and the talented group of players in Toronto.”