Dallas Eakins has signed a three-year contract to remain head coach of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ farm team that’s currently in the Calder Cup finals.
“Dallas is a wonderful teacher for our players in the American Hockey League,” said Leafs general manager Brian Burke in a statement. “He has a great understanding of the game and what it takes to be a successful professional player, both on and off the ice.”
Some observers thought Eakins could be a candidate to become head coach in Edmonton or Washington. We assume his contract includes an out clause should he receive an NHL offer after next season. (Update: Darren Dreger confirms our assumption.)