Overview
- The Toronto Maple Leafs confirmed late Sunday that Bill Watters died in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario, at age 83 and did not disclose a cause of death.
- Watters spent 12 seasons in the Maple Leafs hockey operations department as assistant general manager after being hired by Cliff Fletcher, serving from 1991 through 2003.
- After leaving the front office he built a prominent media career, offering colour commentary with Joe Bowen and hosting shows on AM 640, The Fan (Fan590), TSN and Rogers Sportsnet.
- Before hockey he was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts in the 1964 CFL Draft but a knee injury ended his football career and led him to work as a player agent, where he represented players including Rick Vaive.
- Team senior advisor Mats Sundin and broadcasters Joe Bowen, Jeff Marek and agents such as Allen Walsh paid public tribute, calling Watters a mentor whose guidance shaped many careers in Toronto hockey.