The Arizona Coyotes have named John Ferguson Jr. assistant general manager, the team announced on Wednesday.

Ferguson Jr., who served as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2003-2008, spent the past seven seasons with the Boston Bruins.

"I'm very excited to join the Coyotes organization," said Ferguson. "I'm grateful to Bill (Armstrong), Xavier Gutierrez and Mr. Meruelo for providing me with this opportunity. I'm excited about the Coyotes vision and plan for the future and look forward to helping Bill build a long-term winning team in the Valley."

The 54-year-old is the first assistant general manager hired by Bill Armstrong, who was hired as general manager last September.

"We are very pleased to name John as our new assistant general manager," said Armstrong. "John is extremely knowledgeable about the game and with 20-plus years in the NHL, brings a tremendous amount of experience to our hockey operations department. We are thrilled to have him join our team and I am looking forward to working with him."

Ferguson Jr. first began working in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators as a scout in 1993 and has since worked for St. Louis Blues, Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Bruins.