Mark Hunter returns to manage London Knights after Maple Leafs stint

LONDON, Ont. – Mark Hunter has returned to the London Knights to be the OHL team’s general manager again after four seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Knights made the announcement Friday on the team’s website.

Hunter, who co-owns the Knights with brother Dale, was the team’s GM for 14 seasons and won a Memorial Cup in 2005.

He was appointed Toronto’s director of player personnel in 2014 and was later promoted to assistant general manager.

The 55-year-old was part of a management shakeup in May when Kyle Dubas was promoted from GM of Toronto’s AHL team to the same position in the parent club.

Lou Lamoriello was reassigned to an adviser position after three years as GM and subsequently departed to become president and GM of the New York Islander.

Rob Simpson has been London’s GM since 2016. His new title will be associate general manager.

“Rob and I will be working together every day in order to achieve the goals of our organization,” Hunter said in a statement.

“He has done an outstanding job in all facets of his position and I look forward to continuing to work with him on all elements within our organization.”

Hunter played just over 11 seasons in the NHL for Montreal, St. Louis, Calgary, Hartford and Washington.