The front office makeover of the Toronto Maple Leafs continues, and one of Minnesota’s own is part of the overhaul. 

University of Minnesota assistant coach Scott Bell will be joining the scouting staff of the Maple Leafs, just one year after returning to his alma mater after five seasons as an amateur scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 during Bell’s tenure.

“It’s the NHL, it’s the best (league) in the world,” Bell said of his transition by phone on Wednesday. “It’s a wonderful environment.” 

Before his time with Penguins, Bell was the head coach at NCAA Division III Hamline University, where he led the Pipers to their first Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Conference title in 60 years with a conference title campaign during the 2007-2008 season. The Pipers also won a MIAC championship in 2011 under Bell.

Bell’s successful track record of scouting bodes well for a front office that has undergone major changes this offseason, including the hiring of 32-year old Kyle Dubas a General Manager and John Lilley as Director of Amateur Scouting.

Couple Toronto’s management shakeup with the splashy Tavares signing and a collection of young stars and the Maple Leafs appear primed for a dynastic run of success.   

“Toronto is the billion-dollar bully on the block, and there are lots of good people there,” Bell said on Wednesday. “Hopefully I can learn from them and they can use my experience as well.