HAMILTON - Steve Staios is leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs organization to take over as president of the Ontario Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs.

Staios, a 41-year-old Hamilton native, spent the past three years with the Maple Leafs, where he most recently served as director of player development. Staios also worked as a player development adviser in Toronto and served as an assistant coach for part of the 2014-15 season.

"I'm thrilled and honoured to join the Hamilton Bulldogs organization as team president," Staios said in a statement. "I want to thank (majority owner) Michael Andlauer for this tremendous opportunity to return to my hometown."

Staios spent 18 seasons as an NHL defenceman, playing in 1,001 regular-season games from 1995 to 2012 with the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Atlanta Thrashers, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and New York Islanders.

The Maple Leafs announced that Scott Pellerin will take over from Staios as director of player development.

"We are truly thankful to Steve Staios for the valuable role he has played within the Leafs organization," said Maple Leafs assistant general manager Kyle Dubas. "We are also excited for Steve as the Bulldogs set roots in his native Hamilton — he will serve that club and community incredibly well.

"We are equally excited to see the progression of Scott Pellerin into his new role in player development. He has been a great addition since coming onboard and his influence will only become greater with our young players."

Pellerin, a native of 536 NHL games, joined the Maple Leafs organization in November 2014 as assistant manager of player development.