Leach comes from an organization that has drafted well despite rarely having a top-10 pick.
The Maple Leafs have appointed Mark Leach as their new director of amateur scouting, filling the position left vacant by Wes Clark’s recent move to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Leach brings extensive experience from his 11-year tenure as a scout with the Dallas Stars, known for their successful drafting strategies despite having limited top-10 picks over the past decade. Notably, the Stars have developed top-tier talent like defenseman Miro Heiskanen (drafted 3rd overall in 2017), forward Jason Robertson (39th in 2017), goaltender Jake Oettinger (26th in 2017), and defenseman Thomas Harley (18th in 2019). The Stars also have high hopes for their 2021 picks, forwards Wyatt Johnston (23rd) and Logan Stankoven (47th).
Leach’s career began in scouting with the Detroit Red Wings in 1994, and he later joined the Dallas Stars alongside Jim Nill, who was previously with the Red Wings and became the Stars’ general manager. Leach’s background includes playing four seasons at St. Lawrence University, where he amassed 69 points in 127 NCAA games. He also served as an assistant coach at Michigan Tech and Boston College before transitioning to scouting with the Red Wings.
Leach’s wealth of experience in scouting and player development positions him well to contribute to the Maple Leafs’ efforts in identifying and nurturing amateur talent for future success.
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