The NHL playoffs was supposed to start this week but unfortunately for players and fans, the only way we’ll be watching the Toronto Maple Leafs lift the Stanley Cup anytime soon is through through re-runs and video games.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the youngest teams in the NHL with only three players 30 years old or older.
It’s crazy how much different the rosters are being constructed today than they were 20 years ago. In previous decades, the Leafs roster was led by veterans, whereas today you rarely see an older player.
The 2003-04 Leafs roster had seven players aged 35 or older (!). Their starting goaltender 38 year old Ed Belfour and their second leading goal scorer Gary Roberts was 37 years old. They even traded for a 40 year old Ron Francis at the NHL Trade Deadline for more depth.
If your team was constructed this way in today’s NHL, it’d be a miracle if you made the playoffs, let alone complete for a Stanley Cup.
It’s unfortunate for older players, but beneficial for the sport, as it’s become more skillful and fast.
As a result, below are the top five players who may be forced to retire if this current NHL season doesn’t return.