Toronto Maple Leafs Legends: Ranking the 10 Greatest Players in Franchise History.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, established in 1917, stand as one of the NHL's cornerstone franchises, boasting a rich history and a legacy of legendary players. With 13 Stanley Cups to their name, though none since 1967, the team's storied past is paved with the contributions of remarkable athletes. Here’s a look at the top 10 Toronto Maple Leafs players of all time, a list that sparks debate and celebrates the stars who have donned the blue and white.

1. Mats Sundin: A consistent scorer and the longest-serving European-born captain in team history, Mats Sundin leads the Maple Leafs in goals (420) and points (987). For 12 of his 13 seasons with the Maple Leafs, Sundin was the team's leading scorer. His leadership and skill bridged eras for the Leafs.

2. Dave Keon: A dominant player, Dave Keon won his first Stanley Cup with the Maple Leafs in his second season. Known for his exceptional two-way play, Dave Keon was a key figure during the Maple Leafs' last Stanley Cup-winning era in the 1960s. His dedication and skill earned him a place among the franchise's all-time greats.

3. Auston Matthews: Already considered one of the best goal scorers in NHL history, Auston Matthews has quickly become a Maple Leafs icon. With 413 goals in 653 games, he is close to surpassing Sundin's franchise record. Matthews won the Hart Trophy in 2021-22.

4. Darryl Sittler: Darryl Sittler is one of the Maple Leafs' greatest, despite never winning a Stanley Cup with the team. Sittler recorded 916 points in 844 games across 12 seasons with Toronto. His offensive prowess and memorable moments solidify his place in Maple Leafs history.

5. Börje Salming: A trailblazer for European players in the NHL, Börje Salming was a skilled defenseman who paved the way for future generations. With 768 points in 1,099 games, he is the highest-scoring defenseman in Maple Leafs history.

6. Tim Horton: Known more for his strength than aggression, Tim Horton was a strong defenseman. He won four Stanley Cups and played a record 486 straight games.

7. Frank Mahovlich: A powerful left winger, Frank Mahovlich played for the Maple Leafs from 1956 to 1968 and won four Stanley Cups with the team. Known for his hard-nosed style, Mahovlich is a recognized name among hockey fans.

8. Doug Gilmour: Doug Gilmour's time with the Maple Leafs may have been shorter than other legends, but it was magical. In the 1992-93 season, Gilmour had a career-best 127 points in 83 games.

9. Mitch Marner: Drafted in 2015, Mitch Marner made an immediate impact, scoring 61 points in 2016-17. Marner is known for his impressive offensive skills.

10. William Nylander: William Nylander has had an incredible career with the Maple Leafs, earning him a spot on this list.

These ten players represent a mix of skill, leadership, and longevity, embodying the spirit of the Toronto Maple Leafs. While debates will continue about the exact order and who should be included, these names are etched in the hearts of Leafs fans forever.


Written By
Rahul Menon is a thoughtful journalist who explores the evolving landscape of sports with depth and integrity. He writes with a focus on context, impact, and narrative strength. Whether reporting on emerging talent or broader industry trends, Rahul’s work reflects curiosity and clarity. He sees sports journalism as a bridge between fact, fairness, and emotion.
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