Ever since it debuted, the hockey stats site ExtraSkater.com has been a mandatory destination for fans seeking a user-friendly, easy-to-understand approach to advanced analytics like corsi ratings.

This season, its founder will bring that insight exclusively to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

According to multiple sources, Darryl Metcalf is one of three advanced stats analysts that are in the process of joining the Leafs to work in newly created positions dedicated to hockey metrics. Cam Charron, a blogger that most recently worked with Yahoo Sports Canada, is among that group, as is Rob Pettapiece, a blogger who worked with Yahoo Sports' Buzzing The Net junior hockey blog.

Queries to Metcalf and the Leafs for comment were not returned.

Toronto made a significant splash in advanced stats earier this summer, hiring former Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds GM Kyle Dubas, a leader in the advocacy for advanced stats use by hockey managers, as their assistant GM under Dave Nonis. It’s expected this new department will report to him.

Metcalf and Charron join other big names hired this summer by NHL for advanced stats. Sunny Mehta, a former pro poker player, was hired by the New Jersey Devils. Tyler Dellow, a veteran hockey blogger, was hired by the Edmonton Oilers. Eric Tulsky of SB Nation was also hired by an undisclosed NHL team.

The hiring of Metcalf, however, would be a coup for the Leafs.

Not only is his site one of the most respected in the hockey world, it’s also one of the most popular … for other NHL teams. Our loss as hockey fans – the site will cease operation – is Toronto’s gain, as all of that site’s analysis and calculations will be kept in house.

Expect official titles to be announced when the department is finalized.