Two-Time Stanley Cup Winner Kyle Clifford Retires, Joins Maple Leafs In Player Development Role

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Kyle Clifford is calling it a career.

Clifford confirmed to The Hockey News Toronto on Thursday morning that he retiring after a 15-year professional career and joining the Maple Leafs in a player development role. John Hoven, better known online as The Mayor, was first to report Clifford's retirement on Wednesday evening.

The 34-year-old had spent five seasons with Toronto, split between their NHL and AHL squads. "I’m very excited about the next chapter with Toronto in player development," said Clifford.

Before joining the Maple Leafs as a player, Clifford won two Stanley Cups with the L.A. Kings, playing an integral role in the club’s 2014 win. The crash and bash forward scored one goal and six assists in 24 playoff games during those playoffs.

Clifford, who hails from Ayr, Ontario, along with goaltender Jack Campbell, were acquired by the Maple Leafs in a trade with the Kings in February 2020 for Trevor Moore, a 2020 third-round pick, and a 2021 third-round selection.

After just one year with Toronto, Clifford signed a two-year, $2 million contract with the St. Louis Blues. He played just one season with the Blues before being traded back to the Maple Leafs for future considerations in November 2021.

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Clifford appeared in 23 games with the Maple Leafs in 2021-22, plus nine games with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. That would be Clifford’s second-last season playing in the NHL games, with his final two appearances coming in October of 2022.

The veteran forward signed a two-year, $1.53 million extension with Toronto in March 2022, though the remainder of his games were played with the Marlies. Over three years with the AHL club, which included him signing a one-year contract with the team last summer, Clifford scored 22 goals and 34 assists in 116 games.

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Not only did Clifford play in the Marlies’ top-six throughout his tenure, but he was also a key leader within the club, helping usher in the next group of Maple Leafs prospects. “Cliffy was my first linemate in the NHL, and he’s…

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