It was a big thing to collect all these back in the day, over the years some covers are gone. They are all on youtube in separate videos, except I could not find Brit Selbys, Ron Ellis, Bob Pulfords on youtube.

With Marner gone, we are obviously missing his offense output. No matter what you made think of him and his playoff performances, he was vital to our regular season success every year. We have acquired maccelli to help make up for some of that offense and I’m excited but some might say we are missing one more top 6 piece to round it out nicely. Robertson has been a fringe roster player every season but has managed to rack up goals nonetheless. His defensive game may need work but I’m convinced if he were on a team like the sharks and playing first line time and pp, he would drop 30 goals and 60 points easily. Why don’t we give him regular game time on the second line lw and see what he can do in a more offensive role. Playing alongside of Johnny and one of Willy or maccelli depending on how beeube wants to balance the top 6 will help raise his offensive game even more. Like mentioned earlier, the concern would be the defensive side of his game which is a valid concern. He doesn’t fit the checking identity of our bottom 6. Potential lines can look like this:

Knies-Papi-Willy/Maccelli Robertson-Tavares-Maccelli/Willy Mcmann-Roy-Domi Joshua-Laughton-Lorentz

The bottom 6 can be rearranged as u see fit and I think whatever combo would work for the most part. Domi has had success on the rw and we know he’s not afraid to forecheck.

Surely it’s not a bad idea testing Robertson in a greater role to begin the season, and if it fails then so be it.

Tournament info:

• 64 players
• single elimination via votes
• each day in August will be a new match to vote
• playoffs should fall in Sept with the winner chosen before training camp
• each bracket is organized into different positions (centres, defenseman, wingers, goalies)
• each bracket is ranked by total points scored in a Maples Leafs uniform
• positions. stats taken from hockey-reference.com
• quick bios are from chatgpt
• view the bracket here

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MATCH TWENTY ONE RESULTS:

SUNDIN BRACKET

[6] WILLIAM NYLANDER - WINS 51%

Nylander survives being the first favourite to be eliminated.

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PREVIOUS MATCHES:

SUNDIN BRACKET

• [1] Sundin beats [16] Damphousse

• [2] Sittler skates by [15] Derlago

• [3] Keon handles [14] Kelly

• [4] Marner gets by [13] Kadri

• [5] Matthews snipes [12] Bozak

• [6] Nylander barely beats [11] Apps

BRODA BRACKET

• [1] Broda beats [16] Bernier

• [2] Bower wins against [15] Toskala

• [3] Potvin defeats [14] Bester

• [4] Andersen wins vs [13] Hainsworth

• [5] Joseph stacks the pads vs [12] Gamble

ARMSTRONG BRACKET

• [1] Armstrong gets by [16] Tucker

• [2] Ellis holds off [15] Conacher

• [3] Mahovlich defeats [14] Duff

• [4] Pullford dekes by [13] Sloan

• [5] Vaive sneaks by [12] Jackson

SALMING BRACKET

• [1] Salming convincingly defeats [16] Benning

• [2] Kaberle shoooots off [15] Phanuef

• [3] Rielly beats [14] Ellett

• [4] Horton scores against [13] Thomson

• [5] Turnbulls gets a win vs [12] Stanley

--------------

MATCH TWENTY TWO:

BRODA BRACKET

[6] MIKE PALMATEER VS JAMES REIMER [11]

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[6] MIKE PALMATEER

1976-77 - (1979-80) - (1982-83) - 1983-84

Mike Palmateer grew up in Toronto and became a standout goaltender in junior hockey. He played for the Toronto Marlboros of the Ontario Hockey Association, where his flashy style and acrobatic saves quickly earned him attention. Despite being undersized for a goalie, his quick reflexes and competitive spirit made him a prospect to watch.

The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him 85th overall in 1974 (7th round), and he spent a short time in the minors before getting his NHL opportunity.

Palmateer made his NHL debut in the 1976–77 season and instantly became a fan favorite. Known as "The Popcorn Kid" for his crowd-pleasing style, he played a flashy, unorthodox game with spectacular glove saves and a willingness to challenge shooters. He quickly cemented himself as Toronto’s starting goalie.

In 1977–78, he helped lead the Leafs to the semifinals, defeating the New York Islanders in the quarterfinals before losing to the Montreal Canadiens.

After a contract dispute with Leafs’ management, Palmateer was traded to the Washington Capitals in 1980. He played two seasons in Washington, posting solid numbers and continuing his exciting style, though the team was still struggling to find success.

The Leafs reacquired Palmateer in 1982, but by then, injuries had begun to take a toll on his career. A knee injury and later hip surgery significantly limited his effectiveness. After the 1983–84 season, he retired from the NHL.

Notable Career Achievements

• Helped the Maple Leafs reach the 1978 semifinals, their deepest playoff run of the 1970s.

• One of the most beloved Leafs goaltenders of the 1970s–80s.

• Remembered for his acrobatics and crowd-pleasing personality, earning him enduring popularity with Toronto fans.

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[11] JAMES REIMER

2010-11 - 2015-16

James Reimer grew up in a small Mennonite farming community in Manitoba. Unlike many young Canadian goalies, he wasn’t heavily scouted early on. His dedication and work ethic stood out, however, and he began making a name for himself with the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL (Western Hockey League).

In the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected him 99th overall (4th round). He then developed in the minors, playing in the ECHL and AHL before breaking through to the NHL.

Reimer made his NHL debut in 2010–11, quickly earning the starting job and energizing the fan base. That season, he posted a 20–10–5 record with a .921 save percentage, giving Leafs fans hope for the future.

He is most remembered in Toronto for being the starting goalie in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when the Leafs pushed the Boston Bruins to seven games in the first round. Although Toronto infamously lost Game 7 after blowing a 4–1 lead in the third period, Reimer’s performance during that season is still fondly remembered.

Reimer is known as a calm, technically sound goaltender. He relies on positioning and rebound control rather than flashiness. While not considered among the elite tier of NHL goaltenders, he has earned respect across the league for his professionalism, consistency, and ability to serve both as a starter and a reliable backup.

Notable Career Achievements:

• Starter for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2013 playoff return, ending a nine-year postseason drought.

• Part of the San Jose Sharks’ 2016 team that reached the Stanley Cup Final.

• Reached 500 NHL games played in 2023–24, a rare milestone for goalies.

• One of only a handful of goalies in Leafs history to record 20+ wins in multiple seasons.

Tournament info:

• 64 players
• single elimination via votes
• each day in August will be a new match to vote
• playoffs should fall in Sept with the winner chosen before training camp
• each bracket is organized into different positions (centres, defenseman, wingers, goalies)
• each bracket is ranked by total points scored in a Maples Leafs uniform
• positions. stats taken from hockey-reference.com
• quick bios are from chatgpt
• view the bracket here

--------------

MATCH TWENTY RESULTS:

SALMING BRACKET

[5] IAN TURNBULL - Wins with 65%

Nice.

--------------

PREVIOUS MATCHES:

SUNDIN BRACKET

• [1] Sundin beats [16] Damphousse

• [2] Sittler skates by [15] Derlago

• [3] Keon handles [14] Kelly

• [4] Marner gets by [13] Kadri

• [5] Matthews snipes [12] Bozak

BRODA BRACKET

• [1] Broda beats [16] Bernier

• [2] Bower wins against [15] Toskala

• [3] Potvin defeats [14] Bester

• [4] Andersen wins vs [13] Hainsworth

• [5] Joseph stacks the pads vs [12] Gamble

ARMSTRONG BRACKET

• [1] Armstrong gets by [16] Tucker

• [2] Ellis holds off [15] Conacher

• [3] Mahovlich defeats [14] Duff

• [4] Pullford dekes by [13] Sloan

• [5] Vaive sneaks by [12] Jackson

SALMING BRACKET

• [1] Salming convincingly defeats [16] Benning

• [2] Kaberle shoooots off [15] Phanuef

• [3] Rielly beats [14] Ellett

• [4] Horton scores against [13] Thomson

• [5] Turnbulls gets a win vs [12] Stanley

--------------

MATCH TWENTY ONE:

ARMSTRONG BRACKET

[6] WILLIAM NYLANDER VS SYL APPS [11]

--------------

[6] WILLIAM NYLANDER

2015-16 - ACTIVE (2025-26)

William Nylander is a Swedish-Canadian forward and a key member of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ core. The son of former NHLer Michael Nylander, he developed in Sweden before making his NHL debut in 2016. Known for his elite skating, puck handling, and scoring touch, Nylander has grown into one of the NHL’s most dynamic wingers.

He recorded back-to-back 61-point seasons early in his career, later breaking out with 40 goals and 87 points in 2022–23, followed by a career-best 98 points in 2023–24. Internationally, Nylander has represented Sweden with distinction, winning gold and MVP honors at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. A two-time NHL All-Star (2023, 2024), he is widely regarded as one of the Leafs’ most reliable offensive stars.

Notable Career Achievements

• NHL All-Star (2023, 2024)

• Gold Medal & Tournament MVP – 2017 IIHF World Championship

• Career-high 98 points in 2023–24

• Helped Toronto win its first playoff series since 2004 (2023)

--------------

[11] SYL APPS

1936-37 - 1947-48

Syl Apps was an exceptional all-around athlete before his hockey career. He starred in multiple sports, excelling in track and field, and even competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics in pole vaulting for Canada. He was also a standout football player at McMaster University. Apps’ athleticism and leadership qualities were evident long before he laced up for the NHL.

Quickly became the team’s captain and emotional leader, admired for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly play. Known for his powerful skating, faceoff ability, and intelligence on the ice.

Apps was regarded as the ultimate gentleman of hockey—he never received a single penalty in some seasons and was renowned for his clean, disciplined style of play. His strong two-way game, leadership qualities, and dedication to the team made him a cornerstone of the Leafs’ dynasty years.

Notable Career Achievements:

• Won the Calder Trophy (1937) as NHL Rookie of the Year.

• Captained the Leafs to three Stanley Cup championships (1942, 1947, 1948).

• Won the Byng Trophy (1942) for sportsmanship combined with high-level play.

• Retired in 1948 as one of the most respected and admired players in franchise history.

• Captain of the Maple Leafs: 1940–1943, 1945–1948

• Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee: 1961

• His son, Syl Apps Jr., also played in the NHL, and his grandson, Syl Apps III, continued the family’s hockey legacy.

No matter how bad the Leafs play I will not post a single negative comment on GDT.

This was anticipated but did not expect the exact same seats in the same section I was in last season to cost $50 more this season. Even obstructed view seats I saw were starting at $188

Tournament info:

• 64 players
• single elimination via votes
• each day in August will be a new match to vote
• playoffs should fall in Sept with the winner chosen before training camp
• each bracket is organized into different positions (centres, defenseman, wingers, goalies)
• each bracket is ranked by total points scored in a Maples Leafs uniform
• positions. stats taken from hockey-reference.com
• quick bios are from chatgpt
• view the bracket here

--------------

MATCH NINETEEN RESULTS:

ARMSTRONG BRACKET

[5] RICK VAIVE - Wins with 69%

Nice.

--------------

PREVIOUS MATCHES:

SUNDIN BRACKET

• [1] Sundin beats [16] Damphousse

• [2] Sittler skates by [15] Derlago

• [3] Keon handles [14] Kelly

• [4] Marner gets by [13] Kadri

• [5] Matthews snipes [12] Bozak

BRODA BRACKET

• [1] Broda beats [16] Bernier

• [2] Bower wins against [15] Toskala

• [3] Potvin defeats [14] Bester

• [4] Andersen wins vs [13] Hainsworth

• [5] Joseph stacks the pads vs [12] Gamble

ARMSTRONG BRACKET

• [1] Armstrong gets by [16] Tucker

• [2] Ellis holds off [15] Conacher

• [3] Mahovlich defeats [14] Duff

• [4] Pullford dekes by [13] Sloan

• [5] Vaive sneaks by [12] Jackson

SALMING BRACKET

• [1] Salming convincingly defeats [16] Benning

• [2] Kaberle shoooots off [15] Phanuef

• [3] Rielly beats [14] Ellett

• [4] Horton scores against [13] Thomson

--------------

MATCH TWENTY:

ARMSTRONG BRACKET

[5] IAN TURNBULL VS ALLAN STANLEY [12]

--------------

[5] IAN TURNBULL

1973-74 - 1981-82

Ian Turnbull was a smooth-skating, offensively gifted defenceman who played in the NHL from 1973 to 1983, best remembered for his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Drafted 15th overall by Toronto in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft, Turnbull quickly became a mainstay on the Leafs’ blueline, combining strong puck-moving ability with a powerful shot.

Turnbull was an integral part of Toronto’s resurgence in the mid-to-late 1970s, often paired with Borje Salming to form one of the league’s best offensive-defensive duos. He was known for his offensive instincts, ability to join the rush, and scoring touch—rare for a defenceman at that time.

One of his most famous moments came on February 2, 1977, when Turnbull set an NHL record for defencemen by scoring five goals in a single game against the Detroit Red Wings. To this day, no other defenceman has surpassed that mark.

After leaving Toronto in 1981, Turnbull played briefly for the Los Angeles Kings and the Pittsburgh Penguins before retiring due to injuries in 1983.

Notable Career Achievements

• NHL Record: Most goals in a game by a defenceman (5 – February 2, 1977)

• Best Season (1976–77): 22 goals, 55 assists, 77 points in 80 games – one of the best offensive seasons by a Leafs defenceman

• Key member of the Maple Leafs playoff runs in the late 1970s, including the famous 1978 playoff series win over the New York Islanders

--------------

[12] Allan Stanley

1958-59 - 1967-68

Allan “Snowshoes” Stanley was a dependable and steady defenceman who enjoyed a remarkable 22-season NHL career (1948–1969). Known for his positional play, calm demeanor, and shot-blocking ability, Stanley wasn’t the flashiest player but became one of the league’s most reliable blueliners over two decades.

He began his NHL career with the New York Rangers (1948–1954), then spent time with the Chicago Black Hawks and Boston Bruins before finding a lasting home with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1958. Under coach Punch Imlach, Stanley became a defensive cornerstone, pairing effectively with fellow blueliner Tim Horton.

With Toronto, Stanley played an essential role in the Leafs’ dynasty years of the 1960s, helping the team capture four Stanley Cups (1962, 1963, 1964, 1967). He played until age 43, retiring after the 1968–69 season.

Allan Stanley is remembered as one of the key figures in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ last great championship run in the 1960s. His steady defensive style, veteran leadership, and unselfish play made him an invaluable part of the team’s blueline. Today, he stands among the Leafs’ legendary defencemen, celebrated both for his longevity and championship pedigree.

Notable Career Achievements:

• Stanley Cup Champion (4x): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967 (all with Toronto Maple Leafs)

• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: 1981

• Played 1,244 NHL games (scoring 100 goals, 333 assists, 433 points, with 792 PIMs)

• Known for strong defensive play, leadership, and resilience over a two-decade career

• Regarded as one of the best “stay-at-home” defencemen of his era

Kinda a depth of the offseason type of post (inspired a bit by Fedorov’s number being retired by the Red Wings) but was genuinely curious

Surprised Rick Vaive’s number hasn’t been raised to the rafters by the leafs yet so maybe that’s one? I also think Phaneuf or Kessel would be under strong consideration. I would think someone would come before Matthews when his time comes up but I’m interested in seeing who it is next