The NHL has unveiled the Toronto Maple Leafs' quarter-century team selections, celebrating the top players to have donned the blue and white since January 1, 2000. This announcement came just before the Leafs' highly anticipated matchup against the Boston Bruins, marking the franchise's place among other teams recognized as part of the league's 25-year celebration.
The quarter-century team concept encompasses both first and second teams, showcasing the best contributions from players over the past 25 years. This initiative is part of the NHL's larger project running from December 30, 2023, through January 31, 2024, aimed at honoring past players from each of the NHL's franchises. The Leafs become the sixth franchise to reveal their selections, as fans eagerly await the insights behind these notable picks.
The first team boasts three forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender. Leading this prestigious group are current stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, alongside Maple Leafs legend Mats Sundin. Matthews, the newly named captain for the 2024-25 season, has left a significant mark since he joined the team, scoring 379 goals and 672 points across 586 games.
Mitch Marner, drafted as part of the 2015 class, has also made his presence felt, contributing 207 goals and 690 points throughout 615 games. Meanwhile, Sundin's legacy with the team stretches from 1994 to 2008, during which he rattled off 420 goals and amassed 987 points over 981 games—a remarkable feat for any player. Such accolades highlight the remarkable talent assembled on the First Team roster.
The defense pair of Tomas Kaberle and Morgan Rielly rounds out the first-team roster. Kaberle, drafted late by the Leafs in 1994, became one of the highest-scoring defensemen for the franchise, accumulating 520 points across his 878 games with the team. Morgan Rielly, currently the longest-tenured Maple Leaf, has lifted the defensive game since he began and has flourished with 490 points over 830 games, cementing his place as one of the franchise's stalwarts.
And it’s not complete without goaltending; Ed Belfour holds the position on the first team, having delivered exceptional performances for the Leafs from 2002 to 2006. During his tenure, he amassed 93 wins and demonstrated reliability as the team's backbone, boasting impressive statistics, including a .910 save percentage.
The Second Team features another strong combination of forwards, defensemen, and goalies who made their mark during their respective eras. Notably, Phil Kessel, who played for the team from 2009 to 2015, shares the forward spotlight alongside current talents like John Tavares and William Nylander. Kessel's career is notable for four seasons scoring 30 or more goals, showcasing his elite goal-scoring ability during his time on the team.
On defense, Bryan McCabe and Dion Phaneuf offer leadership and skill. McCabe stands out with his significant contributions and is lauded for his impressive plus-minus rating, excelling as both offensively and defensively responsible. Phaneuf, who served as captain, left his mark, scoring 45 goals—a solid number for defensemen—and is revered among Maple Leafs fans.
Adding to the Second Team's acclaim is Curtis Joseph, who graced the goalie position from 1998 to 2002. His accomplishments include winning 133 games, with the highest save percentage of .912 being notable among his remarkable NHL career.
This celebration of talent not only showcases historical contributions but also connects fans to the rich fabric of the franchise. Such recognitions amplify discussions around players' legacies and the future of the Maple Leafs.
Other franchises—including the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Arizona Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Florida Panthers—have already made their announcements. The NHL will continue this month-long celebration, allowing fans to reflect on the rich histories each team contributes to the league.
What do you think of these picks? The Maple Leafs community remains engaged and animated as conversations flourish around the selections. Stay tuned to explore the most compelling Maple Leafs stories, breaking news, and more as the discussion around the quarter-century teams continues.