The Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs, two teams with storied histories, have recently found themselves intertwined through player movements. Since 2020, the Oilers have acquired 12 former Maple Leafs players, raising eyebrows and questions about their roster strategy. This trend has led to some intriguing narratives about how one team’s discards have become another’s valuable assets.
Among the most notable acquisitions is defenseman John Klingberg, who was signed by Oilers GM Stan Bowman on January 17, 2024. Klingberg spent just 14 games with the Leafs last season, hampered by injuries. Yet, his addition to the Oilers continues the curious pattern of recruiting former Maple Leafs, which has become something of a sideshow over the past few years.
The list of ex-Leafs on Edmonton’s roster includes forward Zach Hyman, who has emerged as one of the team’s most impactful players. Hyman, who left Toronto after the 2020 season, has significantly contributed to the Oilers' offensive push, with 15 goals and 11 assists this season alone. He has become known for his exceptional chemistry with superstar Connor McDavid, making his signing look like one of the best decisions the Oilers have made.
But why have the Oilers been so fixated on former Leafs? It seems the franchise has established a recycling program for players who once donned the Blue and White. Players like Connor Brown, who originally started his NHL career with the Maple Leafs, joined the Oilers after several successful seasons. Brown, who had 43 goals and 99 points during his time with Toronto, has continued to build on his skills with Edmonton, earning his spot as a fan favorite.
Another player worth mentioning is goaltender Jack Campbell. His stint with the Maple Leafs came as he struggled to find consistency but eventually broke out during his tenure there. Following his transition to the Oilers, he signed a lucrative five-year deal, only to see his contract go south as he was waived and later bought out, marking a dramatic fall from grace.
Other players like Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci have similarly crossed the border, each leaving their mark on the ice. Barrie, after spending only one year with the Leafs, joined the Oilers and thrived as part of one of the most powerful power plays seen across the NHL. Ceci, who spent just one season with Toronto, has become synonymous with Oilers playoff pushes, earning his place as one of the key contributors during tight games.
This peculiar relationship extends beyond mere players. It even harkens back to 1980 when there was talk of swapping the franchises entirely—a looming disaster for Edmonton, which is now home to one of the league's best teams. The intrigue surrounding these connections adds flavor to the narrative, as discussions arise about potential trades and signings each season.
One might wonder why certain players have thrived after transitioning from one franchise to the other. Fans speculate about what the Oilers see, especially as they bring players along who did not meet expectations with the Leafs. Evidence exists to show, especially with Hyman and Brown, how players can find the perfect fit after being written off or underappreciated.
While the trend of players migrating from Toronto to Edmonton may seem odd, it has proven beneficial for the Oilers. With the franchise bolstering its lineup with players who were once deemed expendable, they’ve managed to create space for fresh talent on their roster. Each signing brings speculation about potential future additions from their old rivals—how many more Maple Leafs might skate for the Oilers next season remains to be seen.
The future of these rosters keeps fans engaged, wondering about the prospect of who might be the next ex-Leaf to don the Oilers uniform. Speculation runs rampant among supportive circles, as discussions circulate on the effectiveness of these acquisitions. Should they continue down this path, one thing is for sure: the connection between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs has become one of the most interesting storylines of the NHL.