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Toronto Maple Leafs: Time of Celebration for Leafs Fans

By Andrew Boehmer |
Apr 4, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and head coach Mike Babcock and forward James van Riemsdyk (25) on the bench during a game against the Washington Capitals at the Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and head coach Mike Babcock and forward James van Riemsdyk (25) on the bench during a game against the Washington Capitals at the Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs did a lot right last season and it’s time to celebrate.

I’m speaking of two instances specifically in regards to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Can you guess which two?

Look, I’ll even give you a few seconds to have a go at it.

Three, two, one…

Beep, time’s up.

  1. Auston Matthews being selected as a finalist for the Calder Trophy
  2. Mike Babcock being selected as a finalist for the Jack Adams Trophy

Just being named finalists for individual achievement awards in the NHL is a big deal, let alone being the favorites to win it.

Okay, maybe Babcock isn’t a favorite, but if you can’t say that Matthews is then there’s something wrong with you.

Auston Matthews

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Okay, so why do I think Matthews is the favorite and by a long shot, I might add?

Well, here are some quick facts from his rookie season.

  • Tied for second in the league with 40 goals
  • Led all rookies in the league with 40 goals, 69 points and 279 shots on goal
  • First player – not rookie, player – in the modern era to score four goals in his NHL debut
  • First rookie to score 40 goals in a season since Alex Ovechkin
  • Franchise record for most goals and points as a rookie

Those are some pretty unbelievable accomplishments if you ask me and definitely set him apart from Patrik Laine and Zach Werenski, both of which had terrific seasons.

However, Matthews is the clear cut favorite to win.

Also, be sure to check out this video by Sportsnet.

It gave me a good chuckle.

Mike Babcock

I’m not quite sure how the best hockey coach in the world hasn’t won the ultimate prize for hockey coaches aside from the Stanley Cup, which he has won.

But, yes, Babcock has never won the Adams.

Although he has been a finalist twice before.

So, why is he a finalist this year?

Again, let’s look at some quick facts.

  • Led the Leafs from 30th place the season before to their first playoff berth since 2013
  • Finished fourth in the Atlantic Division with 95 points
  • Iced six rookies who played more than 75 games each
  • Finished with a record of 40-27-15, the team’s most wins since reaching 40 in 2006-07

Now, I wouldn’t quite say Babcock’s the favorite to win, but he’s got a pretty good chance.

Todd McLellan and John Tortorella made a pretty good case for themselves in regards to winning the award, but it’s anyone’s guess.

It’s Been a While

The last Calder winner donning a Leafs sweater was Brit Selby for his efforts in the 1965-66 season.

Yikes, that was a while ago.

As for the Adams, we have Pat Burns to look at who claimed the prize at the conclusion of the 1992-93 season.

That too was some time ago.

It’s a little sad because I was born in 1995, meaning I obviously wasn’t alive for either.

Fortunately for me, that might change this year.

The winners of both awards will be announced at the 2017 NHL Awards Ceremony at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vega on June 21.

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