Report: Maple Leafs hire Extra Skater founder to head analytics department
Toronto continues to be a hub for the NHL's advanced stats revolution.
According to Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo's Puck Daddy, multiple sources report Darryl Metcalf - creator of now-defunct ExtraSkater.com - "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 well."
Update: 3rd member of the @MapleLeafs' analytics team is Rob Pettapiece (@RobPettapiece), according to source. http://t.co/RE5nxgcAbI
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) August 19, 2014
The hirings come weeks after the club added noted advanced stats proponent Kyle Dubas as assistant general manager; the newly-formed group of analysts is likely to report to and work closely with Dubas.
Elsewhere around the NHL, former pro poker player Sonny Mehta was hired to fill a similar role in New Jersey, while Tyler Dellow was added to the Edmonton Oilers' front office staff.
The report is the latest in a string of astute moves made by the Maple Leafs under new president Brendan Shanahan.