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Maple Leafs Hire Stanley Cup Champion Just Moments After His Retirement Announcement
Former Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup winner Kyle Clifford has officially hung up the skates and has been hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, who he also played for.
Former Los Angeles Kings forward Kyle Clifford, who is a 2x Stanley Cup champion, has officially decided to hang up the skates and has announced his retirement from the NHL after 753 career games.
He's also not had to wait long to find new work, as he's been hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, for whom he also played, as he's reportedly accepted a role in their player development program.
Well, it's the end of an era... And this one hits a little harder than many others.
Kyle Clifford's playing career has come to an end. He's ready (and excited) for the next chapter, as he's accepted a role in player development with the Maple Leafs.
Two Stanley Cups, 750+ NHL games (and nearly 1,000 combined as a pro), his number retired in the OHL -- a true class act, always.
Kyle Clifford's playing career has come to an end. He's ready (and excited) for the next chapter, as he's accepted a role in player development with the Maple Leafs.
Two Stanley Cups, 750+ NHL games (and nearly 1,000 combined as a pro), his number retired in the OHL -- a true class act, always.
Taken 35th overall by the Kings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Clifford won the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014 and later played for the Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies.
He retires after scoring 144 points (66G, 78A) in 753 career NHL games.
Kyle Clifford was known for being a good teammate
Clifford may not have been known as a high scoring forward, but was indeed known as a good teammate.
Former Maple Leafs prospect Alex Steeves signaled out Clifford for his leadership qualities and assistance as a young player.
He's someone I think any guy should talk to who has aspirations of playing in the NHL. To play as long as he did as a fourth liner is really tough. He's helped me out a lot and I know he advocates for me as well. And he's a good friend.
Clifford spent the majority of his last 3 years of professional hockey playing with the Marlies; he also briefly played for the St. Louis Blues.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
AOUT 7 | 74 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Hire Stanley Cup Champion Just Moments After His Retirement Announcement Will Kyle Clifford succeed in his new player development role with the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 63.5 % |
| No | 27 | 36.5 % |
| List of polls | ||