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Toronto Maple Leafs: Top Five Captains in Team History

ByMatthew Rodrigopulle|
Dec 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs logo at center ice before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs logo at center ice before the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Honourable Mentions:

Dec 31, 2016; Toronto, ON, Canada; Detroit Red Wings forward Brendan Shanahan (14) shares a laugh with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Doug Gilmour (93) during the 2017 Rogers NHL Centennial Classic Alumni Game at BMO Field. The Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Toronto, ON, Canada; Detroit Red Wings forward Brendan Shanahan (14) shares a laugh with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Doug Gilmour (93) during the 2017 Rogers NHL Centennial Classic Alumni Game at BMO Field. The Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Doug Gilmour

Career stats: 1474 GP, 450 G, 964 A, 1414 P

Achievements: Stanley Cup champion in 1989 (with Calgary), Frank J. Selke Trophy in 1993.

Doug Gilmour captained the Leafs from 1994-97, and during this time he was known as a spectacular player.

In his first season with the Leafs in 1992-93, Gilmour set the Leafs franchise record for most points (127) and assists (95) in a single season. His defensive play was also amazing, as he captured the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward that season too.

Becoming captain of the Leafs after Wendel Clark was traded to Quebec, Gilmour was a fan favourite in Toronto both on and off the ice. Although he never won a cup in Toronto, his time spent as a Leaf was definitely special.

Dec 31, 2016; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wendel Clark (17) yawns before the start of their game against the Detroit Red Wings during the 2017 Rogers NHL Centennial Classic Alumni Game at BMO Field. The Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wendel Clark (17) yawns before the start of their game against the Detroit Red Wings during the 2017 Rogers NHL Centennial Classic Alumni Game at BMO Field. The Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Wendel Clark

Career stats: 793 GP, 330 G, 234 A, 564 P

Drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1985 (the first and only number one pick by the Leafs until 2016 when Auston Matthews was drafted), Wendel Clark instantly made statements in the league.

After switching from defence to forward, Clark was known as a hard-nosed player with an offensive touch. Fans loved the way he made games much more exciting, turning him into a fan favourite for years to come. He captained the Leafs from 1991-94.

Often injured, Clark was only able to play one full NHL season ever. He never won a Cup with Toronto, but he helped lead them to a memorable Campbell Conference Finals run in 1993 in which they eventually suffered a heartbreaking loss to Wayne Gretzky’s Los Angeles Kings.

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