I have been doing top 10 favourite lists
and this is the hardest one. This one could be be debated over and over the
again. It is the Toronto Maple Leafs' turn.
I have seen too many Leafs to remember,
as I am very old. I could go with the 1967 Leafs team, because I was
alive and they brought us the last cup.
My favourite time as a Leafs fan was the
70s and 80s. Some of my favourite players played during that era. Many of them
will be on the list to be sure.
So on with the list. I cannot delay any
longer.
10. Dave Keon
Keon was part of that 1967 Leafs team.
Dave was a solid centre who played well in all aspects. I loved the hardworking
no-nonsense forward. He really seemed to represent the common folk. His best
year was the 70-71 season, where he scored 38 goals and 38 assists for 76
points. I didn't love him because of the points, I loved what he represented.
He was a leader on the Leafs.
9. James Van Riemsdyk
James is the ultimate power forward,
using his strength to his advantage. He is on my list because he is a solid
forward playing with heart. He bleeds blue and white. He was often the
best player on the Leafs during last season.
8. Ian Turnbull
Breaking a Leafs record scoring 5 goals
in a game, Ian loved his game. At the time, he was the Leafs best offensive
Dman. He scored two 20-goal seasons, including his best season at 22 goals and
57 assists for 79 points in the 1976 season.
7. Rick Vaive
I remember how much I laughed at the
trade with the Canucks that brought Rick to Toronto. He scored 50 goal three
seasons. The best of the three was the '54 season. I am not sure, but I think
he was the first Leaf to score 50 goals in a season. I was upset when he was
traded to the Blackhawks.
6. Errol Thompson
I always knew Errol as the other Sittler
line mate. I loved his slapshot. His top season was the 75-76 43 goal
season. He was a solid power forward, especially on the powerplay unit. He was
a solid team player who never gave up playing. I loved his play in the
offensive zone.
6. Nazem Kadri
I have no reason for having him on my
list. Except I have his sweater and he is just one of my favourites. I do love
some part of his game. He is a good playmaking centre. Nazem was the Flames'
number one Centre at times. He will always be one my favourites.
5. Paul Henderson
It’s not because of the Canada and
Russia 1972 summit series. Although that didn't hurt. I really did like his
style. He did what he was told. He always did his part. He did what he had to
do in order for the Leafs to win. His stats were never awesome, although he had
a 38 goal season 71-72 season.
4. Mike Palmateer
My favourite goalie in a Leafs sweater.
He was the man in the net for the Leafs for 76-79, the best being the 77-78
season, with a 2.78 goal against average. He was near an all star in his prime.
He carried the team at times. He had reflexes like a cat.
3. Borje Salming
Salming paved the road to the Europeans
defecting to the NHL. He instantly became a hero of mine for his heart. I often
pretended to play him in road hockey. He was a puck-rushing dman led by
example. He was a terrific rushing defenceman. He will always be a Leaf in my
mind, despite ending his career in Detroit.
2. Lanny McDonald
Although, he was know for being a Flame,
his Leafs days were just as important. He had three 40-goal seasons his best
being 47 in 77-78. His best year was not a 40-goal year; his point total was 93
in 75-76. He was Sittler's hired man. He was often the key to the Maple Leafs’
success, including an overtime goal that eliminated the high power Islanders.
1. Darryl Sittler
Sittler was the best captain of all
time. Yes, that is only a subjective opinion. But he was the heart and soul of
the Leafs through the 70s. He will always be known for scoring 6
goals and 4 assists against the big bad Bruins in one game. A record that will
never be broken. He was the true picture of a Leaf.
