Toronto Maple Leafs Who Will Never Make Legends Row…But Should: Fan Poll (Video)
By Sean Tierney
Toronto Maple Leafs greats will eventually fill Legends Row. Which Toronto Maple Leafs greats will not make the Row but live on in the hearts of Leafs fans?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have started the work of sifting through decades of Leafs history to choose legends for Legends Row.
So far, Leaf greats Ted Kennedy, Johnny Bower, and Darryl Sittler have all gotten the call. That leaves seven spots to be filled by dozens of other Toronto Maple Leafs greats.
May 6, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Fans gather in Maple Leaf Square outside of the Air Canada Centre prior to game three of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Among the many Leafs that could receive consideration are many familiar and beloved names, like Dave Keon, Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark, Mats Sundin, Borje Salming, Bob Pulford, Rick Vaive, King Clancy, Turk Broda, Syl Apps, Busher Jackson, Tiger Williams, George Armstrong, Hap Day, Frank Mahovlich, and on and on and on…
The task of wading through these iconic Leafs is a fun one. Who doesn’t like reminiscing about the times when the Toronto Maple Leafs weren’t struggling just to make the playoffs.
But what about the guys we love that don’t have a chance?
Let’s take a look at a few fan favourites that have no chance of making Legends Row…but we wish they could.
The Other Guys – Toronto Maple Leafs that are Legends in our Minds
Domi won Toronto Maple Leafs fans over by bringing toughness and swagger…oh, and also by bringing uppercuts for drunken fans.
In 11 full seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Domi never played less than 70 games, had more than 198 PIMs seven times, and scored double-digits goals three times.
He’ll never make the Row but he’s a Leafs legend anyway.
In eight seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tucker posted more than 20 goals four times and more than 100 PIMs four times. His combination of peskiness, offensive touch, and leadership endeared him to Leafs fans.
And it sure didn’t hurt having Tucker involved for the Battle of Ontario:
Mar 17, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; former Tampa Bay Lightning former left wing
Dave Andreychuk(5) is introduced before the game as they honor the 2004 Standley Cub champions against the Vancouver Canucks at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The wingman during the Doug Gilmour-era, Andreychuk joined the Toronto Maple Leafs for their last great playoff run in 1992-1993, then scored 53 goals and 99 points the following season. His stay was short but extremely impactful. Only Gary Leeman, Rick Vaive, and Andreychuk have acheived the 50 goal milestone.
Known for more than just waking Canadians up before work, Horton played 20 long years on the Toronto Maple Leafs blueline. He made the All-Star team six times and won four Stanley Cups. He is a borderline call for the Legends Row. If he doesn’t make it…well, he should’ve.
In 12 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kaberle cleared 40 points seven times and just missed twice, with 38 points in 10-11 and 39 points in 01-02. Paired with Bryan McCabe for years, Kaberle’s smooth skating and calmness with the puck offset his gentle demeanor. He’ll never join the Row but his longevity and consistent offense have been tough to replace.
Joseph was great in his four seasons as Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender. He won between 29 and 36 games in each season, posted SV% between .906 and .915, and kept his GAA at or below 2.56 (note: this excludes hs 08-09 victory lap – not so good). He isn’t destined for Legends Row but CuJo remains likely the biggest free agent to choose the Leafs as a UFA.
Your Turn…Which Toronto Maple Leafs Player Would You Like to See on Legends Row?
What do you think, Toronto Maple Leafs fans? Which Leafs great would you love to see in the Row, even though they’ll never make it? Vote below!
*note: voting for more than one at a time is permissible and encouraged.