The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in NHL history, with a legacy spanning over a century. From legendary victories to heartbreaking defeats, the Leafs have given their fans plenty of unforgettable moments. Here’s a look at the top 10 moments that every Leafs fan should know.
1. The First Stanley Cup Win (1932)
The Maple Leafs, led by coach Conn Smythe, won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history by sweeping the New York Rangers in three games. This victory marked the beginning of the Leafs’ dominance in the early years of the NHL.
2. The Five-Peat Dynasty (1947–1951)
Between 1947 and 1951, the Leafs won an incredible five Stanley Cups in just six seasons, including three consecutive championships from 1947 to 1949. This era cemented the team’s status as one of the greatest dynasties in NHL history.
3. The Last Stanley Cup (1967)
The Leafs defeated their arch-rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, in six games to win their 13th and most recent Stanley Cup. Led by legends like Dave Keon, Johnny Bower, and Tim Horton, the 1967 victory remains a cherished memory for fans—especially since the team has yet to win another Cup since.
4. The Wendel Clark Era Begins (1985)
Drafted first overall in 1985, Wendel Clark quickly became the heart and soul of the Maple Leafs. His toughness, leadership, and scoring ability made him a fan favorite and one of the most beloved Leafs of all time.
5. The 1993 Playoff Run and the Gretzky Controversy
The 1993 playoffs saw one of the Leafs’ most exciting runs in decades, led by Doug Gilmour and goaltender Felix Potvin. However, a controversial missed high-sticking call on Wayne Gretzky in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Kings changed history, preventing the Leafs from reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
6. The Sundin 500th Goal (2006)
Mats Sundin, one of the greatest Leafs captains, scored his 500th career NHL goal in dramatic fashion—an overtime game-winner against the Calgary Flames. This moment solidified his legacy as one of the best players in franchise history.
7. The Phil Kessel Trade (2009)
One of the most talked-about trades in Leafs history, Toronto acquired Phil Kessel from the Boston Bruins in exchange for multiple draft picks. While Kessel was an elite scorer, the Bruins used those picks to draft Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton, sparking years of debate among Leafs fans.
8. The 2013 Playoff Collapse Against Boston
One of the most painful moments in Leafs history, Toronto led the Bruins 4-1 in Game 7 of the first round with just over 10 minutes left. Boston stormed back to tie the game and won in overtime, causing heartbreak for Leafs Nation and adding to the team’s reputation for playoff struggles.
9. The Auston Matthews Four-Goal Debut (2016)
In his first NHL game, Auston Matthews made history by scoring four goals against the Ottawa Senators, becoming the first player in modern NHL history to achieve this feat in his debut. This moment signaled the start of a new era for the Leafs.
10. Breaking the Playoff Curse (2023)
After years of early exits, the Leafs finally won a playoff series in 2023, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. This was their first playoff series win since 2004, giving fans hope that a championship could be on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had their fair share of ups and downs, but their history is filled with unforgettable moments that have shaped the franchise. Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or just joined Leafs Nation, these moments are an essential part of the team’s identity.
What’s your favorite moment in Leafs history? Let us know in the comments!