Maple Leafs hire Francois Allaire as new goaltending consultant

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs hired Francois Allaire as the team's newest goaltending consultant, the club announced Wednesday.

Maple Leafs president and general manager Brian Burke plucked Allaire from his former club the Anaheim Ducks, where Allaire worked the past 13 seasons as goaltending consultant, which included the 2007 Stanley Cup championship team.

"We consider Francois to be one of the best in the world at his craft," said Burke in a statement. "He brings a tremendous amount of experience and I know that he will make an immediate impact with our goalies."

Allaire, 57, spent 12 years with the Canadiens prior to joining the Ducks as Montreal's goaltending coach. He was instrumental in two Stanley Cup titles (1986 and 1993), working with Hall of Famer Patrick Roy from 1984 to 1996.