Announcement R/leafs GOAT Match 21
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
BRODA BRACKET
ARMSTRONG BRACKET
SALMING BRACKET
--------------
MATCH TWENTY ONE:
ARMSTRONG BRACKET
[6] WILLIAM NYLANDER VS SYL APPS [11]
--------------
[6] WILLIAM NYLANDER
2015-16 - ACTIVE (2025-26)
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 685 | 262 | 350 | 612 |
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
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 423 | 201 | 231 | 432 |
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.
3
2
u/mikesully374826 Kampf 5d ago
Hmm let me think hall of fame player who captained the team to 1/4 of their championships or one dimensional sub point per game winger. Hard one.
7
u/bismuth21 5d ago
With all due respect to Willie, I never saw Apps play but as the captain of 3 Cup winning teams he gets my vote. We can only hope Willie gets one.