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Toronto Maple Leafs Top 10 Moments in 2016

By Chris Okrainetz

Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Auston Matthews poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number one overall draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Auston Matthews poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number one overall draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Dec 13, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) signals an icing during their game against the San Jose Sharks at Air Canada Centre. The Sharks beat the Maple Leafs 3-2 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

8) The Frederik Andersen Trade

Considering how well Freddy has played this season, this trade might be higher on some people’s lists. Looking back, though, June 20 was a big day for the Maple Leafs organization as they acquired Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks for a first-round pick in 2016 (30th overall) and a second-round pick in 2017. The team quickly signed him to a five-year deal worth $25 million as well, which was viewed as a big gamble given his experience.

Part of what makes these lists fun is when you’re revisiting these moments you stop and remember where you were when these moments happened. For me, I remember reading all morning and afternoon that the Leafs were on the verge of acquiring Andersen, but I thought I had enough time to leave work and drive home before the news became official. I was wrong.

My phone erupted with notifications and vibrated in the cup holder like seeds in a popcorn maker when news of the trade broke. I remember pulling over in a Tim Hortons parking lot and scrambling to finish off the post while the AC blared on a scorching hot day that saw temperatures reach the mid 30s.

Completely random anecdote, I know, but, again, I do think part of what makes these moments fun is remembering where you were when they took place. Anyways, the big Dane looks like a No. 1 goaltender so far.

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