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Toronto Maple Leafs
National Hockey League crew in Ontario, Canada
"Leafs" redirects ambiance. For other uses, see Leafs (disambiguation)."Maple Leafs" redirects here. Rag other uses, see Maple sheet (disambiguation).
For other uses, see Toronto Maple Leafs (disambiguation).
| Toronto Maple Leafs | |
|---|---|
| Conference | Eastern |
| Division | Atlantic |
| Founded | |
| History | Toronto Arenas – Toronto St. Patricks |
| Home arena | Scotiabank Arena |
| City | Toronto, Ontario |
| Team colours | Blue, white[1][2] &#;&#; |
| Media | Sportsnet Ontario TSN4 Sportsnet Character Fan TSN Radio |
| Owner(s) | Maple Leaf Actions & Entertainment Ltd. (Larry Tanenbaum, chairman) |
| General manager | Brad Treliving |
| Head coach | Craig Berube |
| Captain | Auston Matthews |
| Minor league affiliates | Toronto Marlies (AHL) Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) |
| Stanley Cups | 13 (–18, –22, –32, –42, –45, –47, –48, –49, –51, –62, –63, –64, –67) |
| Conference championships | 0 |
| Presidents' Trophy | 0[note 1] |
| Division championships | 6 (–33, –34, –35, –38, –, –21) |
| Official website | |
The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Lea Club and often referred do as the Leafs) are a-okay professional ice hockey team family circle in Toronto.
The Maple Leafs compete in the National Candidates League (NHL) as a shareholder of the Atlantic Division quick-witted the Eastern Conference. The truncheon is owned by Maple Leafage Sports & Entertainment, a fellowship that owns several professional actions teams in the city, in the long run b for a long time the team's broadcasting rights instruct split between BCE Inc.
take up Rogers Communications.
The club was founded as the Toronto Arenas for the inaugural –18 NHL season, and rebranded to class Toronto St. Patricks after figure years. Conn Smythe renamed grandeur franchise to the Maple Leafs after buying it in Character team played home games bulk the Mutual Street Arena engage in its first 14 seasons previously moving to Maple Leaf Gardens in Since February , grandeur Maple Leafs play at Scotiabank Arena, which was formerly systematic as Air Canada Centre.
Toronto has won more Stanley Cup championships and played more NHL seasons than any team other ahead of the Montreal Canadiens.
The staff had two recognized dynasties which spanned the –47 to –51 seasons and the –62 oversee –67 seasons, during which honourableness Leafs won a combined enormous of eleven Stanley Cup championships.[3][4] These successes were followed from one side to the ot an extended championship drought, which at 57 seasons[note 2] problem the longest in league characteristics.
The Maple Leafs have rivalries with the Boston Bruins, Blur Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, integrity Montreal Canadiens, and the Algonquian Senators. The team's American Land League (AHL) affiliate is probity Toronto Marlies.
Several individuals who hold an association with goodness club have been inducted attentive the Hockey Hall of Renown.
Nineteen players have had their numbers retired by the Maple Leafs, including the first surprise professional sports.
History
Main article: Record of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Early years (–)
The National Hockey Association (NHL) was formed in suppose Montreal by teams formerly association to the National Hockey Exchange ideas (NHA) that had a challenge with Eddie Livingstone, owner entity the Toronto Blueshirts.
The owners of the other four clubs—the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Quebec Bulldogs and the Ottawa Senators—wanted to replace Livingstone, but unconcealed that the NHA constitution blunt not allow them to directly vote him out of righteousness league. Instead, they opted equal create a new league, integrity NHL, and did not fire Livingstone to join them.
They also remained voting members elect the NHA, and thus difficult enough votes to suspend glory other league's operations, effectively pass Livingstone's league with one team.
The NHL had decided that visor would operate a four-team perimeter, made up of the Canadiens, Montreal Maroons, Ottawa, and particular more club in either Quebec City or Toronto.
Toronto's adjoining in the NHL's inaugural spell 1 was formally announced on Nov 26, , with concerns aid the Bulldogs' financial stability emergence. The League granted temporary freedom rights to the Arena Gang, owners of the Arena Gardens.[8] The NHL granted the Sphere responsibility of the Toronto referendum for only the inaugural bout, with specific instructions to handle the dispute with Livingstone bring to the surface transfer ownership of the Toronto franchise back to the Combination at the end of righteousness season.
The franchise did not possess an official name but was informally called "the Blueshirts" call upon "the Torontos" by the fans and press.[10] Although the prefatory roster was made up bear witness players leased from the NHA's Toronto Blueshirts, including Harry Cameron and Reg Noble, the Maple Leafs do not claim influence Blueshirts' history as their own.[11] During the inaugural season, goodness club performed the first post in NHL history, sending Sammy Hebert to the Senators, imprison return for cash.
Under steward Charlie Querrie, and head guardian Dick Carroll, the team won the Stanley Cup in interpretation inaugural –18 season.
For the twig season, rather than return nobility Blueshirts' players to Livingstone because originally promised, on October 19, , the Arena Company experienced the Toronto Arena Hockey Billy, which was readily granted filled membership in the NHL.
Prestige Arena Company also decided delay year that only NHL teams were allowed to play cultivate the Arena Gardens—a move which effectively killed the NHA. Explorer sued to get his type back. Mounting legal bills reject the dispute forced the Arenas to sell some of their stars, resulting in a hideous five-win season in – Awaken the company facing increasing capital difficulties, and the Arenas apparently eliminated from the playoffs, description NHL agreed to let glory team forfeit their last three games.[16] Operations halted on Feb 20, , with the NHL ending its season and model the playoffs.
The Arenas' charming percentage that season remains rectitude worst in franchise history. Dispel, the Stanley Cup Finals floating without a winner due get to the bottom of the worldwide flu epidemic.
The lawful dispute forced the Arena Collection into bankruptcy, and it was forced to sell the band. On December 9, , Querrie brokered the team's purchase rough the owners of the Throw.
Patricks Hockey Club (Percy most important Fred Hambly), allowing him pre-empt maintain an ownership stake knoll the team. The new owners renamed the team the Toronto St. Patricks (or St. Pats for short), which they moved until Changing the colours pass judgment on the team from blue approximately green, the club won their second Stanley Cup championship donation [16]Babe Dye scored four period in the 5–1 Stanley Cup-clinching victory against the Vancouver Millionaires.
In , the team's ownership different again, as movie theatre publicist Nathan Nathanson and mining power Jack Bickell purchased the shares of the Hamblys.
Bickell endowed CA$25, in the St. Pats as a favour to jurisdiction friend Querrie, who needed round on financially reorganize his hockey team.[21]
Conn Smythe era (–)
After several financially difficult seasons, the St. Patricks' ownership group (Querrie and Nathan Nathanson) seriously considered selling integrity team to C.
C. Pyle for CA$, (equivalent to $3,, temper ). Pyle sought to hurl the team to Philadelphia.[16] Banish, Toronto Varsity Blues coach Conn Smythe put together a rank of his own and easy a $, CA$, (equivalent to $2,, in )) offer. With goodness support of minority shareholder Bickell, Smythe persuaded Querrie and Nathanson to accept their bid, hostility that civic pride was work up important than money.
Bickell would become team president.
Smythe took avert on February 14, ; commencement himself as governor and public manager. He immediately renamed honesty team the Maple Leafs, rear 1 the national symbol of Canada, but the team was nominal to play out the remains of the –27 season rightfully St. Patricks. He attributed fulfil choice of a maple leafage for the logo to fulfil experiences as a Canadian Grey officer and prisoner of contest during World War I.
Reflection the maple leaf as clean up "badge of courage", and expert reminder of home, Smythe confident to give the same fame to his hockey team, interleave honour of the many Hustle soldiers who wore it.[16][26][27] Quieten, the team was not blue blood the gentry first to use the title.
A Toronto minor-league baseball lineup had used the name "Toronto Maple Leafs" since [28] Tho' Smythe would not acquire direct interest in the team \'til , he would be character franchise's dominant voice for justness next four decades.[29][30][31]
Initial reports were that the team's colours were to be red and white,[32] but the Leafs wore wan sweaters with a green maple leaf for their first recreation on February 17, [33] Labour September 27, , it was announced that the Leafs locked away changed their colour scheme presage blue and white.
Although Smythe later stated he chose surprise because it represents the River skies and white to accusation snow, these colours were too used on the trucks fail to appreciate his gravel and sand job. The colour blue was too a colour historically associated cut off the City of Toronto. Rectitude use of blue by notable Toronto-based sports clubs began cream the Argonaut Rowing Club divide the 19th century, later adoptive by their football team, excellence Toronto Argonauts, in [35]
Opening look up to Maple Leaf Gardens (s)
By , Smythe saw the need bare construct a new arena, criticism the Arena Gardens as clean up facility lacking modern amenities endure seating.
Finding an adequate numeral of financiers, he purchased residents from the Eaton family, sit construction of the arena was completed in five months.[38]
The Maple Leafs debuted at their in mint condition arena, Maple Leaf Gardens, come to get a 2–1 loss to representation Chicago Black Hawks on Nov 12, [38] The opening ceremonies for Maple Leaf Gardens categorized a performance from the Fortyeighth Highlanders of Canada Pipe suffer Drums.[39] The military band has continued to perform in from time to time subsequent season home opening effort, as well as other ceremonies conducted by the hockey club.[40][41] The debut also featured Redouble Hewitt in his newly constructed press box above the subordinate surface, where he began monarch famous Hockey Night in Canada radio broadcasts that eventually came to be a Saturday-night tradition.[38] The press box was much called "the gondola", a honour that emerged during the Gardens' inaugural season when a Typical Motors advertising executive remarked endeavor it resembled the gondola concede an airship.[42]
By the –32 NHL season, the Maple Leafs were led by the "Kid Line" consisting of Busher Jackson, Joe Primeau and Charlie Conacher reprove coached by Dick Irvin.
Position team captured their third Journalist Cup that season, vanquishing honourableness Chicago Black Hawks in nobility first round, the Montreal Maroons in the semifinals, and excellence New York Rangers in authority finals. Smythe took particular sensation in defeating the Rangers wind year. He had been broached as the Rangers' first popular manager and coach for their inaugural season (–27) but confidential been fired in a question with Madison Square Garden control before the season had begun.[44]
Maple Leafs star forward Ace Lexicographer was nearly killed in while in the manner tha Boston BruinsdefencemanEddie Shore checked him from behind at full decelerate into the boards.
Leafs defenceman Red Horner knocked Shore lure with a punch, but Vocalizer, writhing on the ice, difficult to understand his career ended.[38] The Leafs held the Ace Bailey Profit Game, the NHL's first All-Star Game, to collect medical verify to help Bailey. His sweater was retired later the different night.
The Leafs reached excellence finals five times in rectitude next seven years but cylindrical out to the now-disbanded Maroons in , the Detroit Get your hands on Wings in , Chicago interpose , Boston in and authority Rangers in [38] After distinction end of the –40 opportunity ripe, Smythe allowed Irvin to tap the team as head governor, replacing him with former Leafs captainHap Day.[38]
The first dynasty (s)
In the Stanley Cup Finals, excellence Maple Leafs were down join games to none in birth best-of-seven series against Detroit.
Fourth-line forward Don Metz then ruffled the team, to score top-notch hat-trick in game four survive the game-winner in game quintuplet. Goalie Turk Broda shut come and go the Wings in game hexad, and Sweeney Schriner scored shine unsteadily goals in the third console to win the seventh distraction 3–1, completing the reverse-sweep. Honourableness Leafs remain the only kit out to have successfully performed great reverse-sweep in the Stanley Jug finals.[49] Captain Syl Apps won the Lady Byng Memorial Grant that season, not taking sharpen penalty, and finished his interval career with an average star as 5 minutes, 36 seconds propitious penalties a season.
Smythe, who reenlisted in the Canadian Army terrestrial the outbreak of World Fighting II, was given leave proud military duty to view honesty final game of the finals.
He arrived at the diversion in full military regalia. Earliest, at the outbreak of battle, Smythe arranged for many operate his Maple Leafs players dispatch staff to take army participation with the Toronto Scottish Bring into line. Most notably, the Leafs declared a large portion of their roster had enlisted, including Apps, and Broda, who did throng together play on the team matter several seasons due to their obligations with the Canadian Forces.[52] During this period, the Leafs turned to lesser-known players specified as rookie goaltender Frank McCool and defenceman Babe Pratt.[52]
The Maple Leafs beat the Red Periphery in the Finals.
They won the first three games, congregate goaltender McCool recording consecutive shutouts. However, in a reversal slow the finals, the Red Bounds won the next three games.[52] The Leafs were able progress to win the series, winning influence seventh game by the point of 2–1 to prevent spiffy tidy up complete reversal of the additional room played three years ago.[52]
After depiction end of the war, sling who had enlisted were onset to return to their teams.[52] With Apps and Broda retrieval their form, the Maple Leafs beat the first-place Canadiens spiky the finals.[52] To bolster their centre depth, the Leafs borrowed Cy Thomas and Max Bentley in the following off-season.
Bend these key additions, the Leafs were able to win first-class second consecutive Stanley Cup, allinclusive the Red Wings in class finals.[52] With their victory satisfy , the Leafs moved in front of Montreal as the lineup having won the most Adventurer Cups in League history. Apps announced his retirement following significance finals, with Ted Kennedy takings him as the team's guide.
Under a new captaincy, prestige Leafs managed to make arrangement to the finals, facing prestige Red Wings, who had finalize the season with the properly overall record. However, the Leafs went on to win their third consecutive Cup, sweeping blue blood the gentry Red Wings in four conviviality. This brought the total behove Detroit's playoff game losses conflicting the Leafs to eleven.[52] Loftiness Red Wings were able hinder end this losing streak contain the following postseason, eliminating Toronto in the NHL playoffs.[52]
The Barilko Curse (s)
The Maple Leafs build up Canadiens met again in prestige finals, with five consecutive in due course games played in the series.[55] Defenceman Bill Barilko managed more score the series-winning goal outing overtime, leaving his defensive hint (despite coach Joe Primeau's decree otherwise) to pick up titanic errant pass and score.[55] Barilko helped the club secure untruthfulness fourth Stanley Cup in pentad years.
His glory was destructible, as he disappeared in trim plane crash near Timmins, Lake, four months later.[55] The force site was not found unsettled a helicopter pilot discovered goodness plane's wreckage plane about 80 kilometres (50&#;mi) north of Cochrane, Ontario 11 years later.[57] Position Leafs did not win recourse Cup during the s, reduce rumours swirling that the kit out was "cursed", and would not quite win a cup until Barilko's body was found.[58] The "curse" came to an end aft the Leafs' Stanley Cup bring down, which came six weeks once the discovery of the odds and ends of Barilko's plane.[58]
Their victory was followed by lacklustre performances straighten out the following seasons.
The uniform finished third in the –52 season and was eventually relaxed by the Red Wings concentrated the semifinals.[55] With the eventuality of the –53 regular term, the Leafs failed to put a label on it to the postseason set out the first time since authority –46 playoffs.[55] The Leafs' damaging performance may be attributed mock to a decline in their sponsored junior system (including rectitude Toronto St.
Michael's Majors paramount the Toronto Marlboros).[55] The minor system was managed by Open J. Selke until his exit to the Canadiens in Counter his absence, the quality castigate players it produced declined. Innumerable who were called up drive the Leafs in the specifically s were found to nurture seriously lacking in ability.
Bear was only later in picture decade that the Leafs' self-feeder clubs produced prospects that helped them become competitive again.[55]
After ingenious two-year drought from the playoffs, the Maple Leafs clinched organized berth after the –59 patch. Under Punch Imlach, their additional general manager and coach, righteousness Leafs made it to interpretation Finals, losing to the Canadiens in five games.[55] Building perpendicular a successful playoff run, authority Leafs followed up with wonderful second-place finish in the –60 regular season.
Although they radical to their second straight Mug 1 Finals, the Leafs were bis defeated by the Canadiens include four games.[55]
New owners and expert new dynasty (–)
Beginning in class s, the Leafs became excellent stronger team, with Johnny Arbor as the goaltender, and Shake Baun, Carl Brewer, Tim Horton and Allan Stanley serving chimp the Maple Leafs' defencemen.[59] Sort out bolster their forward group amid the off-season, Imlach traded Marc Reaume to the Red Maximum for Red Kelly.
Originally capital defenceman, Kelly was asked capable make the transition to interpretation role of centre, where take steps remained for the rest quite a lot of his career.[59] Kelly helped shore up a forward group made lustre of Frank Mahovlich, and unit captain George Armstrong. The dawn of the –61 season along with saw the debut of rookies Bob Nevin, and Dave Keon.
Keon previously played for position St. Michael's Majors (the Maple Leafs junior affiliate), but locked away impressed Imlach during the Leafs' training camp, and joined depiction team for the season.[59] In the face these new additions, the Leafs' playoff run ended in glory semifinals against the Red Limit, with Armstrong, Bower, Kelly courier others, suffering from injuries.[59]
In Nov , Smythe sold nearly brag of his shares in distinction club's parent company, Maple Have second thoughts Gardens Limited (MLGL), to span partnership composed of his labour Stafford Smythe, and his partners, newspaper baron John W.
Twirl. Bassett and Toronto Marlboros commander Harold Ballard. The sale payment was $ million (equivalent criticize $23,, in ), a handsome go back on Smythe's original investment 34 years earlier. Initially, Conn Smythe claimed that he knew bauble about his son's partners nearby was furious with the array (though it is highly meager he could have believed Stafford could have financed the acquire on his own).
However, soil did not stop the apportion because of it. Conn Smythe was given a retiring guarantee of $15, per year glossy magazine life, an office, a carve, a car with a operative, and seats to home jubilation. Smythe sold his remaining shares in the company, and hopeless from the board of bosses in March , after expert Muhammad Ali boxing match was scheduled for the Gardens.
Smythe found Ali's refusal to keep hold of in the United States Service offensive, noting that the Gardens was "no place for those who want to evade militarisation in their own country". No problem had also said that in that the Gardens' owners agreed collect host the fight they difficult "put cash ahead of class".[64]
Under the new ownership, Toronto won another three straight Stanley Cups.
The team won the Discoverer Cup Finals beating the beat champion Chicago Black Hawks honorable mention a goal from Dick Low-grade in game 6. During primacy –63 season, the Leafs mature first in the league propound the first time since illustriousness –48 season. In the mass playoffs, the team won their second Stanley Cup of glory decade.[59] The –64 season apothegm certain members of the setup traded.
With Imlach seeking admonition reinvigorate the slumping Leafs, oversight made a mid-season trade zigzag sent Duff, and Nevin set a limit the Rangers for Andy Bathgate and Don McKenney. The Leafs managed to make the postseason as well as the Jug finals. In game six concede the Cup finals, Baun allowed a fractured ankle and essential a stretcher to be bewitched off the ice.
He requited to play with his ankle frozen, and eventually scored position game-winning goal in overtime anti the Red Wings.[59] The Leafs won their third consecutive Discoverer Cup in a 4–0 distraction 7 victory; Bathgate scored mirror image goals.[59]
The two seasons after greatness Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup victories, the team saw several contestant departures, including Bathgate, and Shaper, as well as several newborn additions, including Marcel Pronovost, talented Terry Sawchuk.[59] During the –67 season, the team had lacking 10 games in a achieve, sending Imlach to the harbour with a stress-related illness.
Nonetheless, from the time King Clancy took over as the mind coach, to Imlach's return, primacy club was on a endeavour undefeated streak, building momentum hitherto the playoffs.[59] The Leafs undemanding their last Cup finals layer Playing against Montreal, the gigantic favourite for the year, nobleness Leafs managed to win, friendliness Bob Pulford scoring the double-overtime winner in game three; Jim Pappin scored the series victor in game 6.
Keon was named the playoff's most invaluable player and was awarded depiction Conn Smythe Trophy.
From to , the Maple Leafs made control to the playoffs only in the old days. They lost several players decide the NHL expansion draft, shaft the team was racked disagree with dissension because of Imlach's ex officio manner, and his attempts cause problems prevent the players from similar to the newly formed Players' Association.[59] Imlach's management of the company was also brought into inquiry due to some of culminate decisions.
It was apparent zigzag he was too loyal separate aging players who had anachronistic with him since [59] Pin down the –68 season, Mahovlich was traded to Detroit in undiluted deal that saw the Leafs acquire Paul Henderson and Measure Ullman. The Leafs managed equivalent to return to the playoffs tail the –69 season, only health check be swept by the Bruins.
Immediately after, Stafford Smythe confronted Imlach and fired him. That act was not without query, with some older players, counting Horton, declaring that, "if that team doesn't want Imlach, Frantic guess it doesn't want me".[71]
The Maple Leafs completed the –70 season out of the playoffs. With their low finish, picture Leafs were able to outline Darryl Sittler at the NHL amateur draft.
The Leafs shared to the playoffs after grandeur –71 season with the counting of Sittler, as well on account of Bernie Parent and Jacques Plante, who were both acquired gore trades during the season.[73] They were eliminated in the chief round against the Rangers.[74]
The Ballard years (–)
A series of handiwork in made Harold Ballard description primary owner of the Maple Leafs.
After a series bank disputes between Bassett, Ballard careful Stafford Smythe, Bassett sold king stake in the company hearten them. Shortly afterwards, Smythe convulsion in October Under the manner of speaking of Stafford's will, of which Ballard was an executor, dressing-down partner was allowed to fall short the other's shares upon their death.
Stafford's brother and claim tried to keep the shares in the family,[76] but clasp February Ballard bought all blond Stafford's shares for $ billion, valuing the company at $22 million (equivalent to $,, in ).[77][78][79] Six months later, Ballard was convicted of charges including sharp practice, and theft of money promote goods, and spent a harvest at Milhaven Penitentiary.[73]
By the in of , the World Domain Association (WHA) began operations pass for a direct competitor to grandeur NHL.
Believing the WHA would not be able to break one`s neck against the NHL, Ballard's mood caused the Maple Leafs tip off lose key players, including Procreator to the upstart league.[73] Short of staff and demoralized, the Leafs mature with the fourth-worst record progress to the –73 season. They got the fourth overall pick extract the NHL amateur draft,[73] coupled with drafted Lanny McDonald.
General Supervisor Jim Gregory also acquired dignity 10th overall pick from excellence Philadelphia Flyers, and the Ordinal overall pick from the Bruins, using them to acquire Bobber Neely and Ian Turnbull.[73] Suggestion addition to these first-round picks, the Leafs also acquired Borje Salming during the off-season.
Despite getting Tiger Williams in the compose, and Roger Neilson as belief coach in the –78 opportunity ripe, the Maple Leafs found himself eliminated in the playoffs unreceptive stronger Flyers or Canadiens teams from to [73] Although Neilson was a popular coach narrow fans and his players, without fear found himself at odds cotton on Ballard, who fired him synchronize in the –78 season.
Composer was later reinstated after appeals from the players and character public. He continued as Leafs' head coach until after high-mindedness playoffs, when he was laidoff again, alongside Gregory.[73] Gregory was replaced by Imlach as public manager.[73]
In the first year reproach his second stint as public manager, Imlach became embroiled put over a dispute with Leafs' pilot Darryl Sittler over his ground to take part in character Showdown series for Hockey Gloomy in Canada.[73] In a make a move to undermine Sittler's influence avowal the team, Imlach traded McDonald, who was Sittler's friend.[83] Timorous the end of the –80 season, Imlach had traded take the shine off nearly half of the register he had at the start of his tenure as common manager.[84] With the situation among Ballard and Sittler worsening, Sittler asked to be traded.
Forcing the Leafs' hand, the club's new general manager, Gerry McNamara, traded Sittler to the Flyers on January 20, Rick Vaive was named the team's guide shortly after Sittler's departure.[84]
The Maple Leafs' management continued in tangled throughout most of the ten, with an inexperienced McNamara person's name as Imlach's replacement in Sept [84] He was followed prep between Gord Stellick on April 28, , who was replaced disrespect Floyd Smith on August 15, [84] Coaching was similarly chaotic often after Nielson's departure.
Imlach's first choice for coach was his former player Smith, allowing he did not finish goodness –80 season after being hospitalized by a car accident falsehood March 14, Joe Crozier was named the new head governor until January 10, , during the time that he was succeeded by Microphone Nykoluk. Nykoluk was head motor coach until April 2, [84]Dan Maloney returned as head coach exaggerate to , with John Brophy named head coach from do away with Both coaches had little good during their tenure.[84]Doug Carpenter was named the new head lecturer to begin the –90 period when the Leafs posted their first season above in rectitude decade.[84]
The team did not suppress much success during the dec, missing the playoffs entirely wonderful , and [84] On throw in the towel least two occasions, they energetic the playoffs with the defeat winning percentages on record target a playoff team.
However, story those days, the top duo teams in each division grateful the playoffs, regardless of top secret. Since the Norris only difficult five teams in total, that meant only the last-place group in the division missed character postseason. In –86, for circumstance, they finished with a attractive percentage, the fourth worst shrub border the league.[89][90] However, due set a limit playing in a Norris Disunion where no team cracked representation point mark, the Leafs attain made the playoffs because City had the worst record superimpose the league.
In –88, they entered the final day accept the season with the defeat record in the league, however were only one point cancel the Minnesota North Stars other thus were still in playoff contention. The Red Wings was the only team in nobleness division with a winning note. However, the Leafs upset dignity Red Wings in their valedictory game while the North Stars lost to the Flames noontide later to hand the Leafs the final spot from rank Norris.[91][92][93][94][95]
The low finishes allowed interpretation team to draft Wendel General first overall at the NHL entry draft.[84] Clark managed join lead the Leafs to influence playoffs from to , chimp well as the playoffs.[84] Ballard died on April 11,
Resurgence (–)
Don Crump, Don Giffin, stomach Steve Stavro were named executors of Ballard's estate.
Stavro succeeded Ballard as chairman of Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd. and boss of the Maple Fletcher was hired by Giffin to skin the new general manager, allowing this was opposed by Stavro, who told Fletcher that filth wanted to appoint his entire general manager.[99]
Notwithstanding Stavro's initial disinclination with Fletcher's appointment, the Leafs' new ownership would soon deserve a reputation for steering convincing of exerting undue interference exertion hockey operations, in stark relate to Ballard.
Fletcher soon make a fuss of about building a competitive bludgeon, hiring Pat Burns as rank new coach, and making uncluttered series of trades and free-agent acquisitions, such as acquiring Doug Gilmour and Dave Andreychuk, which turned the Leafs into topping contender.[] Assisted by stellar goaltending from minor league call-up Felix Potvin, the team posted spiffy tidy up then-franchise-record 99 points.[]
Toronto dispatched description Detroit Red Wings in digit games in the first come alive, then defeated the St.
Prizefighter Blues in another seven entertainment in the division finals.[] Hopeful to meet long-time rival Metropolis (who was playing in primacy Wales Conference finals against excellence New York Islanders) in honesty Cup finals, the Leafs above suspicion the Los Angeles Kings delicate the Campbell Conference finals.[] They led the series 3–2 on the other hand dropped game six in Los Angeles.
The game was band without controversy, as Wayne Gretzky clipped Gilmour in the bring round with his stick, but judge Kerry Fraser did not telephone call a penalty, and Gretzky scored the winning goal moments later.[] The Leafs eventually lost increase twofold game seven 5–4.[]
The Leafs esoteric another strong season in –94, starting the season on copperplate ten-game winning streak, and close it with 98 points.[] Class team made it to goodness conference finals again, only acquiesce be eliminated by the Town Canucks in five games.[] Imprecision the NHL entry draft, influence Leafs packaged Wendel Clark hoard a multi-player trade with honourableness Quebec Nordiques that landed them Mats Sundin.[] Missing two successive playoffs in and , excellence Leafs relieved Fletcher as common manager.[]
New home and a in mint condition millennium (–)
On February 12, , MLGL purchased the Toronto Raptors, a National Basketball Association vote, and the arena the Raptors were building, from Allan Slaight and Scotiabank.[][] With the gain, MLGL was renamed Maple Folio Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), precise as the parent company pounce on the two teams.[]Larry Tanenbaum was a driving force in say publicly acquisition, having bought a proportionality stake in Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL) in [][]
Curtis Patriarch was acquired as the team's starting goalie, while Pat Quinn was hired as the purpose coach before the –99 season.[] Realigning the NHL's conferences bolster , the Leafs were awkward from the Western to greatness Eastern Conference.
On February 13, , the Leafs played their final game at the Gardens before moving to their new-found home at the then-Air Canada Centre. In the playoffs, honesty team advanced to the talk finals but lost in cinque games to the Buffalo Sabres.[]
In the – season, the Leafs hosted the 50th NHL All-Star Game. By the end give a rough idea the season, they recorded their first point season and won their first division title rank 37 years.
In both illustriousness and playoffs, the Leafs foiled the Ottawa Senators in position first round and lost comparable with the New Jersey Devils of great magnitude the second round. In depiction playoffs, the Leafs dispatched class Islanders and the Senators cultivate seven games each during integrity first two rounds, only fro lose to the Cinderella-storyCarolina Hurricanes in six games in representation conference finals.[] The –02 occasion was particularly impressive in focus injuries sidelined many of distinction Leafs' better players, but righteousness efforts of depth players, as well as Alyn McCauley, Gary Roberts nearby Darcy Tucker, led them defer to the conference finals.
As Joseph opted to become a free proxy during the off-season, the Leafs signed Ed Belfour as distinction new starting goaltender.[] Belfour stirred well during the –03 course and was a finalist confound the Vezina Trophy.[] The Leafs lost to Philadelphia in septet games during the first disc-shaped of the playoffs.
In , an ownership change occurred divide MLSE. Stavro sold his behave interest in MLSE to interpretation Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) and resigned his position monkey chairman in favour of Tanenbaum.[] Quinn remained as head master but was replaced as common manager by John Ferguson Jr.[]
Before the –04 season, the group held their training camp hold back Sweden and played in significance NHL Challenge against teams take from Sweden and Finland.[] The Leafs went on to enjoy swell very successful regular season, principal the NHL at the offend of the All-Star Game (with Quinn named head coach submit the East's All-Star Team).
They finished the season with span then-franchise-record points.[] They finished fellow worker the fourth-best record in loftiness League, and their highest entire finish in 41 years, perfection a win percentage, their crush in 43 years, and third-best in franchise history. In dignity playoffs, the Leafs defeated honourableness Senators in the first rule out of the postseason for character fourth time in five time eon, with Belfour posting three shutouts in seven games, but left out to the Flyers in tremor games during the second round.[]
After the lockout (–)
Following the –05 NHL lockout, the Maple Leafs experienced their longest playoff aridity in the team's history.
They struggled in the –06 season; despite a late-season surge (9–1–2 in their final 12 games), led by goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin, Toronto was out of playoff contention for the first generation since This marked the have control over time the team had vanished the postseason under Quinn, who was later relieved as tendency coach.[] Quinn's dismissal was controvertible since many of the green players who were key contributors to the Leafs' late-season scurry had been drafted by him before Ferguson's arrival, while Ferguson's signings (Jason Allison, Belfour, Vanquisher Khavanov, and Eric Lindros) esoteric suffered season-ending injuries.[][]
Paul Maurice, who had previously coached the elementary season of the Maple Leafs' Toronto Marlies farm team, was named as Quinn's replacement.
Bent June 30, , the Leafs bought out fan-favourite Tie Domi's contract. The team also undeniable against picking up the volition declaration year on goaltender Ed Belfour's contract; he became a unproblematic agent.[] However, despite the teaching change, as well as natty shuffle in the roster, glory team did not make rectitude playoffs in – During influence –08 season, John Ferguson Jr.
was fired in January countryside replaced by former Leafs' popular manager Cliff Fletcher on information bank interim basis. The team hold on to Toronto-based sports lawyer Gord Kirke to begin a search superfluous a new team president courier general manager, and negotiate shipshape and bristol fashion contract.[] The Leafs did not quite qualify for the postseason, rating the first time since leadership team had failed to fake the playoffs for three successive seasons.[] It was also Sundin's last year with the Leafs, as his contract was absurd to expire at the please of the season.
However, prohibited refused Leafs management's request improve waive his no-trade clause endorse the team to rebuild tough acquiring prospects or draft picks.[] On May 7, , care for the –08 season, the Leafs fired Maurice, as well whilst assistant coach Randy Ladouceur, connection Ron Wilson as the virgin head coach, and Tim Huntsman and Rob Zettler as visit coaches.[]
On November 29, , rectitude Maple Leafs hired Brian Garotte as their 13th non-interim, significant the first American, general supervisor in team history.
The accomplishment ended the second Cliff Playwright era and settled persistent newspeak that Burke was coming activate Toronto.[] On June 26, , Burke made his first whittle as the Leafs GM velvety the NHL entry draft, pick London Knights forward Nazem Kadri with the seventh overall pick.[] On September 18, , Rhetorician traded Toronto's first- and second-round , as well as take the edge off first-round picks, to the Beantown Bruins in exchange for dispatch Phil Kessel.[] On January 31, , the Leafs made substitute high-profile trade, this time sell the Calgary Flames in graceful seven-player deal that brought defenceman Dion Phaneuf to Toronto.[] Incessant June 14, during the off-season, the Leafs named Phaneuf coxswain after two seasons without reschedule following Sundin's departure.[] On Feb 18, , the team traded long-time Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle to the Bruins bring exchange for prospect Joe Colborne, Boston's first-round pick in , and a conditional second-round delineate choice.[]
On March 2, , Garrotte fired Wilson and named Dangerous Carlyle the new head governor.
However, the termination proved sort out be controversial as Wilson locked away received a contract extension open-minded two months before being loan go.[] Changes at the custody level also occurred in Venerable , when the OTPP arranged the sale of their shares in MLSE to BCE Opposition. and Rogers Communications.[] On Jan 9, , Burke was discharged as general manager, and replaced by Dave Nonis.[] In their first full season under interpretation leadership of Carlyle, Toronto managed to secure a playoff bed in the –13 season (which was shortened again due on two legs another lock-out) for the principal time in eight years.
Banish, the Leafs lost in digit games to eventual Stanley Pot finalist Boston in the twig round. Despite the season's benefit, it was not repeated generous the –14 season, as justness Leafs failed to make ethics playoffs.[]
Brendan Shanahan era (–present)
Following rank –14 regular season, Brendan Shanahan was named as the administrator and an alternate governor be worthwhile for the Maple Leafs.[] On Jan 6, , the Leafs laidoff Randy Carlyle as head educator, and assistant coach Peter Horachek took over on an fugacious basis immediately.[] While the Leafs had a winning record already Carlyle's firing, the team one day collapsed.
On February 6, , the Leafs set a latest franchise record of 11 following games without a win. Differ the beginning of February, Shanahan gained the approval of MLSE's board of directors to in a "scorched earth" rebuild objection the club.[] Both Dave Nonis and Horachek were relieved round their duties on April 12, just one day after dignity season concluded.
In addition, character Leafs also fired several cooperative coaches, including Steve Spott, bracket Rick St. Croix; as convulsion as individuals from the Leafs' player scouting department.[][]
On May 20, , Mike Babcock was forename as the new head instructor, and on July 23, Lou Lamoriello was named the Sixteenth general manager in team history.[][] On July 1, , honesty Leafs packaged Kessel in marvellous multi-player deal to the City Penguins in return for leash skaters, including Kasperi Kapanen, boss conditional first-round pick, and ingenious third-round pick.
Toronto also hold $&#;million of Kessel's salary be aware the remaining seven seasons be keen on his contract.[] During the masses season, on February 9, , the Leafs packaged Phaneuf come out of another multi-player deal, acquiring unite players, as well as straight second-round pick from the Algonquian Senators.[] The team finished stay fresh in the NHL for blue blood the gentry first time since the –85 season.
They subsequently won nobility draft lottery and used glory first overall pick to first attempt Auston Matthews.[]
In their second course under Babcock, Toronto secured loftiness final Eastern Conference wildcard quantity for the playoffs. On Apr 23, , the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs by the top-seeded Washington Upland four games to two reaction the best-of-seven series.[]
Toronto finished righteousness –18 season with points preschooler beating Montreal 4–2 in their final game of the public season, a franchise-record, beating rank previous record of points dug in in [] They faced say publicly Boston Bruins in the important round and lost in vii games.[] Following the playoffs, Lamoriello was not renewed as common manager.[]Kyle Dubas was subsequently person's name the team's 17th general chief in May [] During picture off-season, the Maple Leafs symbol John Tavares to a seven-year, $77&#;million contract.[] On April 1, the Maple Leafs clinched orderly division berth for the Discoverer Cup playoffs.[] The Maple Leafs were eliminated in the pull it off round of the playoffs learn by heart April 23, after losing come to the Bruins in a seven-game series.[]
On October 2, , Tavares was named as the team's 25th team captain prior solve the Leafs' –20 season come out with game.[] After a 9–10–4 gradient to the –20 season, goodness club relieved Babcock as sense coach on November 20, be equal with Sheldon Keefe named as culminate replacement.[] The Maple Leafs were eliminated in the Stanley Treat Qualifiers on August 9, later losing a five-game series be realistic the Columbus Blue Jackets.[]
Due keep from the COVID pandemic and merchandise restrictions at the Canada–United States border, the Leafs were for a little while moved to the North Splitting up for the –21 season parallel the NHL's other Canadian teams.
During that season, teams matchless played games against teams score their divisions, in a subterranean game season.[] On May 8, , the Leafs clinched character North Division title, giving decency Leafs guaranteed home advantage edict the first two rounds wages the Stanley Cup playoffs.[] Matthews also led the league suspend goals with 41 goals, befitting the first Maple Leaf disregard win the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.
However, the Leafs gone in the first round prank their rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, with the Leafs surrendering uncomplicated 3–1 series lead in nobleness process.[]
Despite the ending to picture previous season, the Leafs were poised to make another trot, with much of the be a sign of roster intact.
Aided by magnanimity arrival of defenceman Mark Giordano and centre Colin Blackwell foreigner the Seattle Kraken on Foot it 21, the team cruised roundabouts the regular season.[][] The Maple Leafs broke their franchise make a notation of for points in a time, with , and wins rotation a season, with 50, by means of a 4–2 victory over interpretation New York Islanders on Apr [] Despite the achievement, they were unable to match position league-leading Florida Panthers', finishing next in the Atlantic Division[] At near the season, Matthews became leadership first Leaf in a declination to score 60 goals whitehead a season, and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy.[] Influence Leafs made the playoffs nevertheless lost in the first be in total to the Tampa Bay Whirlwind in seven games.[] With that loss, the Maple Leafs became the first team in blue blood the gentry four major North American disports leagues to lose five running winner-take-all games.[]
The off-season saw nobility departure of the Leafs' goalkeeper tandem, Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek, the former signing engage Edmonton, the latter being traded to the Blackhawks during greatness NHL entry draft.[] Needing unmixed goaltender tandem for the in the offing season, the Leafs acquired Unpolished Murray through a trade interview the Senators,[] and signed cool agent Ilya Samsonov.[]
During the –23 NHL season, the Leafs retrace your steps fared well in the everyday season, achieving an excellent 50–21–11 record and points, one police less than the record attained the season prior.
However, magnanimity record-setting –23 Boston Bruins untie the division, finishing with record, and leaving the Leafs delight second place in the Ocean. In the first round spick and span the playoffs, the Leafs browbeaten the Lightning in a six-game series, marking the first age the Maple Leafs advanced sentry the second round of character playoff appearance since [] Via the series with the Impulsive, the Leafs became the cardinal NHL team to win pair road playoff games in in the end.
However, the Leafs lost concern the Florida Panthers in influence second round in five games.[] Following the loss, Dubas' ordain as general manager was throng together renewed with the club assistance the –24 season.[] Dubas was then replaced by Brad Treliving on May []
In –, description team finished with a 46–26–10 record, good for points duct the third seed in greatness Atlantic Division.
Matthews broke her majesty own career and franchise archives for goals in a interval, with 69, and was awarded his third Rocket Richard Trophy.[] However, they were again disqualified in the first round elaborate the playoffs, falling to honourableness Bruins in seven games.[] Make sure of the season, Keefe was fired as head coach on Hawthorn 9,[] with Craig Berube chartered as his successor on Can []
Prior to the –25 season