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Toronto Maple Leafs: Greatest Goaltenders of All-Time #10

By Michael Joubran |
TORONTO, ON - 1933: Goalie George Hainsworth of the Tornoto Maple Leafs poses for a portrait circa 1930's in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - 1933: Goalie George Hainsworth of the Tornoto Maple Leafs poses for a portrait circa 1930's in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are 100 years old.

Over those 100 years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have had 88 goaltenders roam the crease for them. Over the next couple of weeks, we will take a look to see who is the greatest goaltender in the history of the organization.

This is a new series that I will be doing and a new article will come out every Tuesday and Thursday. The Leafs have a very historic background but who is the 10th greatest goaltender to ever put on the Blue & White?

#10: George Hainsworth

More from Editor In Leaf

1933-34

George Hainsworth was traded to the Leafs in 1933 from the Montreal Canadiens for Lorne Chabot.

In his first season, Chabot posted a GAA of 2.37 and a record of 26-13-9 in 48 games.

While those numbers may not jump out, he was sixth in the league in GAA while being the oldest goaltender in the league.

Hainsworth was 38 years old, five years older than any other goaltender. While being older than every other goalie, Hainsworth led the league in wins with 26.

1934-35

The following season, Hainsworth would lead the league again in wins with 30. He had a record of 30-14-4 in 48 games played. He had eight shutouts, making him tied for shutouts. Also, Hainsworth was fourth in the league with a GAA of 2.25. During the playoffs, Hainsworth had a GAA of 1.57 helping the Leafs make it to the finals but eventually losing to the Montreal Maroons 3-0.

1935-36

In his last full season with the team, Hainsworth posted a GAA of 2.12 and a record of 23-19-6 in 48 games. He also recorded 8 shutouts. While those stats may look good on paper, he was 4th last in GAA. It became evident that his age was finally catching up to him. During the playoffs, Hainsworth posted a GAA of 2.99 but helped the Leafs make it to the finals before losing to the Detroit Red Wings 3-1.

1936-37

Hainsworth played three games with the Leafs going 0-2-1 with a GAA o 2.84. This caused the team to depend on Turk Broda (spoiler, you’ll see him later on) and therefore team manager, Conn Smythe, cut him from the team. Hainsworth would go on to play four more games with the Canadiens before retiring for good.

Overview

Overall, George Hainsworth is one of the greatest goaltenders in not only Leafs history but league history as well. He played in 147 games (15th) for the Leafs with a record of 79-48-19. He ranks 11th in wins (79) and 5th in GAA (2.26). Also, in his 147 games with the club, he never received a penalty.

On October 9th, 1950, Hainsworth was killed in a head on collision. In 1961, 11 years after his tragic death, Hainsworth was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame with former teammates, Syl Apps, Charlie Conacher, and Hap Day. While there isn’t much info on Hainsworth, I think it’s safe to say that he is one of the greatest goaltenders to ever wear the blue & white.

Next: Morgan Rielly's Bounce Back Year

Come back on Thursday to see who I have ranked at number nine.

*stats from quanthockey.com & hockey-reference.com

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