The top 5 players from each Original Six NHL franchises
By Daniel
Toronto Maple Leafs — Est. 1917
The Maple Leafs have won 13 Stanley Cups (nine in the ‘modern era’) and five division championships in franchise history. These are the five greatest players to ever put on the blue and white.
5. Mats Sundin, C (1994-2008)
The Swedish-born center was one of the more consistent players of his era. He was invited to eight All-Star Games including seven straight from 1996-2002. He finished his stay in Toronto with a 1.01 points per game average and is the Maple Leafs’ all-time leader in points (987) and goals (420). However, he is just sixth all-time in games played.
4. Johnny Bower, G (1958-1970)
The greatest goaltender in Toronto history is Johnny Bower. He won a total of four Stanley Cups while playing for the Maple Leafs and took home two Vezina Trophies. Bower also was invited to four All-Star Games while playing in Toronto. Three separate times he led the NHL in goals against average and once he led the league in wins.
3. Dave Keon, C (1960-1976)
Keon was one of the most successful players in franchise history and he helped lead Toronto to four Stanley Cups in his career. In 1967 he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff’s MVP. He was invited to eight All-Star Games in his career and he led the NHL in short-handed goals twice. He is third in franchise history in points and goals all-time.
2. Ted ‘Teeder’ Kennedy, C (1942-1957)
Ted Kennedy was one of the Maple Leafs best players during many of their most dominant years as a franchise. He helped lead them to five Stanley Cup Championships during his tenure with the team. He was invited to six All-Star Games and won the Hart Memorial Trophy once. He ranks in the top-10 in points, goals, and assists in team history despite playing only 696 total games.
1. Syl Apps, C (1936-1948)
The greatest Maple Leafs player of all-time is Syl Apps. He played in the ancient era of the NHL, but averaged an impressive 1.02 points per game in his career. In just 10 seasons in Toronto he led the Maple Leafs to three Stanley Cup victories, won the Calder Memorial Trophy, and was named to the first ever All-Star Game. He’s one of the NHL’s absolute legends and he helped grow the game of hockey into what it is today. The lore that surrounds Maple Leafs hockey, no matter how distant it seems, is a direct impact of Apps’ success.
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