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."

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.