Maple Leafs promote AHL head coach John Gruden

John Gruden is getting the chance to run the Maple Leafs preseason bench as he's been tabbed to coach the 'B' squad for Wednesday's preseason game vs. Ottawa.

The Toronto Maple Leafs promoted John Gruden this past summer to assistant coach alongside Jim Hiller after a strong season with the Toronto Marlies - capped off with a Calder Cup win. Gruden has been an underrated asset to the Maple Leafs, allowing prospects to thrive and grow alongside trusted veterans.

John Gruden leads the 'B' squad in Toronto's final preseason game

Well he's in line for another promotion, at least temporarily on Wednesday. The Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Garrioch reported that the Maple Leafs are going to have Gruden as head coach for Toronto's 'B' squad as they take on the Senators in Ottawa:

Will find out later but the plan is for Daniel Alfredsson to be on the Leafs bench in TO tonight with Jim Hiller. Expect John Gruden to coach here in Ottawa.

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This was later confirmed by Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun:

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Gruden is no stranger to coaching several of the players lining up for the Maple Leafs tonight in Ottawa, which in turn should help some of the lineup knowing his style and playing under him before.

Players who thrived under Gruden include Landon Sim, Vinni Lettieri, Luke Haymes, and Ben Danford so there's a solid group of young talent and veterans who've gotten the rub from Gruden's coaching ability.

Gruden has been a coach with the USNTDP for years prior to becoming an AHL coach, and has spent time with both the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins as an assistant coach.

Jim Hiller has an underrated asset in John Gruden

If there's one thing that you can point to as a real positive in bringing in Gruden is the fact that he's got a handle on some of the future players Hiller is going to have in the lineup. He's got inside knowledge on who is closest to making the leap, and if injuries become a concern, then he can be a voice as to who would be a good fit.

Not only that, but Gruden's a very good penalty-killing coach and the addition of newcomers like Colton Sissons, Nick Paul, and Teddy Blueger will make his job a lot easier. Hiller won't need to worry too much about his defence or PK knowing that Gruden has the resume.

Plus, it isn't like Gruden is a newbie to the NHL grind either, as he has years of experience under his belt with the Bruins and Islanders, and it was more of an inevitability that he would make the leap to the Maple Leafs either as assistant or head coach.

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