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‘Essentially a formality’ -- Leafs name Hunter assistant GM

Guelph Storm v London Knights

LONDON, ON - APRIL 8: Linseman Kevin Hastings #61 has words with assistant coach Mark Hunter of the London Knights during an OHL game against the Guelph Storm in Game Three of the OHL Western Conference Semi-Final at the Budweiser Gardens on April 8, 2014 in London, Ontario, Canada. The Storm defeated the Knights 4-2 to take a 2-1 series lead. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have a new assistant general manager though, in reality, it’s the same assistant general manager they’ve had all along.

From the club:

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today the club has named Mark Hunter as Assistant General Manager. Hunter, who first joined the Leafs as Director of Player Personnel in October 2014, will share the role along with current Assistant General Manager Kyle Dubas.

“Mark’s new title is essentially a formality as these are duties he’s already been performing,” said Maple Leafs General Manager Lou Lamoriello. “Brendan and I have been discussing this change of title since last season – as it’s a more appropriate recognition of Mark’s role with the organization since joining the Maple Leafs.

“There are no changes to Mark or Kyle’s duties, or to that of Brandon Pridham, Assistant to the General Manager.”

To hammer home that final quote, Toronto’s PR department explained that Hunter will continue to oversee pro scouting, amateur scouting and player evaluation, while Dubas will continue as GM of the AHL Marlies, overseeing prospects already within the organization, and “leading the Maple Leafs’ player development and hockey research and development departments.”

Hunter, 53, was one of the three Hunter brothers to play in the NHL (Dave and Dale were the others). After retiring, he went on to a decorated coaching and front office career in the OHL, before making the leap to the pros two years ago.