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Toronto Maple Leafs: Moments From 2016

By Eduardo Razo

Oct 6, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) reacts aftyer scoring agoal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period of a preseason hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) reacts aftyer scoring agoal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period of a preseason hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) looks to pass during the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) looks to pass during the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Hitting The Lottery

After enduring a painful season. Toronto landed a 20% chance of winning the draft lottery.
The prize in this?

Auston Matthews, a Mexican-American teenager from Arizona who played in Switzerland. A number one center that could change the fortunes of a franchise.

Heartbreak and the history of the Maple Leafs are synonymous with each other. Thus, when they entered the top three in the draft lottery it felt too good to be true. Then Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly unveiled the card showing the new Toronto logo.

For the first time in awhile, the Maple Leafs caught a break. It allowed them the opportunity to get a number one center. A role that Mats Sundin left open when he departed in 2008.

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