Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Tuesday the appointment of Dallas Eakins as head coach of the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies.
“Dallas has over 20 years of professional hockey experience as a player, coach and most recently in the front office,” said Burke. “He understands what it takes to make the transition from the AHL level to the National Hockey League and he will enhance the development of our prospects.”
Eakins, 42, has spent the last four seasons in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in various roles. He was the club’s Director of Player Development in 2008-09, served as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs from 2006 to 2008, and was an assistant coach with the Marlies during the 2005-06 AHL season.
The Dade City, Florida, native was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 10th round, 208th overall, in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. Eakins played in 120 games for Winnipeg, Florida, St. Louis, Phoenix, the New York Rangers, Toronto, the New York Islanders and Calgary.
He also suited up in 609 AHL games, registering 134 points (27 goals, 107 assists) and 1051 penalty minutes. Eakins won the 2002 Calder Cup with the Chicago Wolves and retired from professional hockey following the 2003-04 season with the Manitoba Moose.
