1) Winning the NHL Draft Lottery
Toronto missed on Connor McDavid by one spot in 2015, but luck was on their side in 2016 when they won the draft lottery. Although Shanahan kept quiet about who he was picking, we all knew who they were selecting once NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly flipped over his card and awarded the Leafs with the first overall draft pick, which was their first one in 31 years.
We all have a story of how we reacted on April 30 when the Leafs won the lottery. But I think TSN’s Jeff O’Neill did an excellent job of summing up the feelings of Leafs fans with this reaction.
Considering the impact this draft lottery win had on the Maple Leafs, it’s tough to find a bigger moment in 2016.
Next: Two Keys that Will Determine the Leafs Playoff Fate
What do you think were the top Toronto Maple Leafs moments in 2016? Did we miss something? Or do you agree with our rankings? Let us know in the comments section below.