Toronto Maple Leaf

The Toronto Maple Leafs is a Canadian professional ice hockey team. It is based in Toronto and competes in the National Hockey League as an Eastern Conference of Atlantic Division member. The club is among one of the first six teams founded by the NHL in 1917. It is currently owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Ltd and Larry Tanenbaum as the chairman.

Team History

The Toronto Maple Leafs boasts of a rich history dating back to 1917 when it was founded. Back then, it did not have any special nickname and was only referred to as Toronto Arenas. This later changed in 1919 under new ownership and was renamed Toronto St. Patrick’s. In 1927, the club again changed hands when Conn Smythe purchased it and changed the name to Maple Leafs. It is popularly referred to as the Leaf by media and fans. The team survived the long period of layoffs during the Great Depression to see great achievements.

Who Owns the Team?

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd is a prominent provider of quality sports experiences. It is the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs team, among others. The ownership of the MLSEL is divided among several groups, including:

• Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan

• Kilmer Sports owner Larry Tanenbaum

• BCE Inc

• Rogers Communications Inc

The broadcasting rights of Maple Leaf games are reserved for Rogers Communications and BCE Inc. since the inception of the franchise, the club has had a total of sixteen general managers. Kyle Dubas is currently the GM. since he took over on MAY 11,2018, he has made two playoff appearances. When it comes to coaching the team, Sheldon Keere is the head coach. He also has several assistants, including Dave Hakstol, Paul MacLean, Manny Malhotra, and Steve Briere, the goal-tending coach.

Toronto Maple Leafs’ Achievements

The Maple Leafs have several championships under their belt. The team has attained a total of 13 Stanley Cup Championship over the years, including the I931-32 season. This historic win featured Charlie Conacher, Joe Primeau, and Busher Jackson, all now Hockey Hall of Famers. Individual players from the team have also won awards such as Calder Memorial Trophy and Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

Team Stats

Even though the team has won five division championships, it is yet to obtain a conference championship. The last cup that the Maple Leafs won was in the 196-67 season. The 52-season drought is currently the longest recorded in NHL. However, with the major trades going on, fans hope for the best in the coming seasons.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Famous Players

The Toronto Maple Leafs have several popular players including Bob Pulford, Johnny Bower, Dave Keon, Dougie Gilmour, and Borje Salming.

Major Trades

Recent trades in the team include sending defenders Mac Hollowell and centers Tyler Gaudet and Admas Brook to minors Toronto-AHL. They also signed Zach Bogosian and Jimmy Vesey in a two-year-long contract.

2020/2021 Team Roaster

After four consecutive losses in the elimination series, Kyle Dubas now aims to save his legacy. The trading away of Kasperi Kapanen signifies a major reshuffle in the Toronto Maple Leafs team. Although this is not the final roaster, here is what to expect in the 2020-21 season.

Forwards:

• Alexander Barabanov, signed for one season

• Pierre Engvall

• Alexander Kerfoot

• Dennis Malgin

• Mitchell Marner

• Auston Matthews

Defense:

• Justin Holl

• Mikko Lehtonen

• Timothy Liljegren

• Morgan Rielly

• Rasmus Sandin

• Calle Rosen

• Martin Marincin

Goalies:

• Jack Campbell

• Fredrick Andersen

Rivalries

Since its establishment, the Maple Leafs has developed deep rivalries. It has established a rivalry with the original six teams like Montreal Canadiens. This is considered the greatest rivalry in hockey. Others include Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wing. The latest team to join the list of its rivals is the Ottawa Senators. Even though the beef between Ottawa Senators and Leafs began in the late 90s, it escalated steadily. Maple Leafs won four playoff series from 2000 to 2004.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a rich profile and history that spans several generations. The team registers some of the highest attendance records in the NHL. A face-off against any of its rivals builds excitement among fans. The Maple Leafs can only grow stronger in the future.