Report: Maple Leafs Hire Sidney Crosby's Long-Time Trainer, Andy O'Brien

The overhaul of the Toronto Maple Leafs front office continues.

According to both Steve Simmons and Chris Johnston, the Maple Leafs are bringing in Andy O'Brien to lead their Sport Performance department. O'Brien's been the long-time trainer of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, and does bring some NHL experience to Toronto.

O'Brien worked with the Florida Panthers during their back-to-back Stanley Cups, and spent a couple of seasons about a decade ago, working in sports science for the Penguins. O'Brien runs a hockey camp in Colorado during the offseason, which trains NHL players at high altitude, and brings in some big names like Crosby, MacKinnon, Taylor Hall, Mitch Marner and John Tavares.

Johnston reports: 

With the Leafs, O’Brien will oversee every domain related to performance optimization. That covers strength and conditioning but will also include areas such as nutrition, injury rehabilitation and sport science. Hiring the 48-year-old is a big splash for new general manager John Chayka, who has been aggressive since stepping into his role on May 3. He’s since cut ties with several longstanding members of the front office, installing his own people in key scouting and player evaluation roles while bringing in an entirely new coaching staff under Jim Hiller. Chayka also turned over roughly half the NHL roster through trades and free-agent signings.

O’Brien will build out his own team of professionals to support the off-ice performance and development of those players. It’s an area where an organization with strong financial backing can seek to find an edge.

For now, don't expect many more moves out of Toronto on the off ice side, as Chayka's likely finished with his overhaul at this point. “We are thrilled to welcome Andy and his sports performance team to the Toronto Maple Leafs and look forward to the impact they will have on the organization,” said Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager John Chayka. “Providing every resource possible to help our players perform at their best is the highest priority at every level of the organization. Our ownership group has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to investing in player care, the player experience, and the resources required to help our players succeed every day. We will continue to invest in every opportunity to maximize the development and performance of every player. Andy’s record as an innovator and winner, coupled with his values, philosophy and vision, are wholly aligned with what we are building here in Toronto.”