The Top 10 Mustaches in Toronto Maple Leafs History
By Jeff Borsuk
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had some of the best caterpillars in the NHL. These are the ten best mustaches in franchise history.
Unique features always get remembered. This is especially true for Toronto Maple Leafs past and present. In hockey, accessorizing with a mustache has always been original.
The NHL has always been synonymous with long flowing hair and missing teeth. Style in the sport has not always been consistent with those who don’t wear skates to work. There are, however, some who have strayed from the traditional hockey look and made one of their own thanks to a mustache. We have curated ten of the best ever snot catchers to be displayed on the faces of Maple Leafs.
10. Dion Phaneuf
Dion Phaneuf might not be remembered for having a lip warmer. When rumours that the former captain of the Leafs may be returning in 2020 began circulating, most fans likely didn’t remember Phaneuf with facial hair.
Most likely recall Phaneuf by the money he was making while with the Maple Leafs. Dave Nonis did what he felt he needed to in order to keep the defenseman in Toronto. Nonis re-signed Phaneuf to a seven-year deal worth $49 million.
Phaneuf spent a small portion of his seven years in Toronto with a decent duster. If he ever finds himself with an NHL team, he should definitely bring it back.
9. Ian White
Another defenseman that finds his way onto this list is Ian White. Similar to Phaneuf, he didn’t keep the stache throughout his tenure with the Buds. It’s a shame since fans would have loved to have seen it flapping in the wind as White flew down the ice in Toronto from 2005 – 2010.
Coincidentally, White and Phaneuf were on opposite ends of a January 31, 2010 trade. White was a part of a package that included Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, and Jamal Mayers. Leafs general manager Brian Burke sent the group to the Calgary Flames in order to get the prized blueliner. Phaneuf was the biggest chip in the deal but he was also accompanied by Fredrik Sjostrom and Keith Aulie.