The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has elevated Scott Pellerin to the role of Director of Player Development as Steve Staios leaves the organization to become President of the Ontario Hockey League’s Hamilton Bulldogs.

“We are truly thankful to Steve Staios for the valuable role he has played within the Leafs organization,” said Toronto Maple Leafs Assistant General Manager Kyle Dubas. “We are also excited for Steve as the Bulldogs set roots in his native Hamilton – he will serve that club and community incredibly well.

“We are equally excited to see the progression of Scott Pellerin into his new role in player development. He has been a great addition since coming on board and his influence will only become greater with our young players.”

A veteran of 536 NHL games, Pellerin first joined the Leafs organization in November 2014 as Assistant Manager of Player Development along with current Skill Development Consultant Darryl Belfry. Shortly after his playing career ended, the 45-year-old served as an assistant coach of the Manchester Monarchs, the Los Angeles Kings American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate from 2006-2012, and was key in the development of several players who helped the Kings win their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2012. The 1992 Hobey Baker award winner (University of Maine) also served as head coach of the New York Islanders AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers from 2012-2014.

Staios, 41, first joined the Leafs organization in July 2012. The Hamilton, Ontario native served three seasons as the Maple Leafs’ Player Development Advisor and also the latter half of this past season as assistant coach. A veteran defenceman of 18 seasons in the NHL, he played in 1,001 career regular season games and 33 more in the postseason from 1995 to 2012.