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Nicknames for Every Member of the Toronto Maple Leafs

By Stephen Nixon |
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 25: Ilya Mikheyev #65 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal with teammate Morgan Rielly #44 against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at the Scotiabank Arena on October 25, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 25: Ilya Mikheyev #65 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal with teammate Morgan Rielly #44 against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at the Scotiabank Arena on October 25, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)

Nobody in professional sports is called by their real name and that goes for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

For anyone who grew up playing sports, nicknames are a fun part of it and the Toronto Maple Leafs dressing room is no different.

In hockey, you probably already know that their nicknames aren’t that creative. To create one you either add a “y” or “er” at the end of your name and boom, you’ve got a nickname.

It’s pretty clear that for the most part, hockey nicknames are some of the most unimaginative ones out there.   And what about Ron Hainsey? How does a guy who already has a hockey nickname get a hockey nickname?

It’s just the opposite of the usual that’s all: Hainsey becomes Hainse, and while it couldn’t be any lamer, it’s pretty simple.

While those nicknames are easy, there have been some very unique names throughout the years that are legendary.

Besides the biggest mic-drop nickname of all-time in “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky, take a look at some other names that were incredible:

  • Mario Lemieux – Super Mario
  • Maurice Richard – The Rocket
  • Stu Grimson – Grim Reaper
  • Teemu Selanne – The Finnish Flash
  • Bobby Hull  – The Golden Jet
  • Ed Belfour – The Eagle
  • Pavel Bure – Russian Rocket

It’s unfortunate that nicknames like these aren’t as commonplace in today’s NHL, but we can reminisce.

Now, let’s give it a shot with the current Leafs roster and give a nickname or two for every player in the dressing room.

Forwards:

  • Auston Matthews: Matty, Mats, Austino, Mustache
  • Mitch Marner: Mitchy, Mighty Mouse
  • John Tavares: Captain, JT
  • William Nylander: Willie, Will Ny the Swedish Guy
  • Alex Kerfoot: Footy
  • Kasperi Kapanen: Kappy
  • Andreas Johnsson: Mango, Johnny
  • Ilya Mikheyev: Soup
  • Denis Malgin: Malgs
  • Zach Hyman: Hyms
  • Kyle Clifford: Cliff, Big Red Dog
  • Pierre Engvall: P-E, Giraffe 
  • Jason Spezza: Spez, Vet
  • Frederik Gauthier: Goat

Defense:

  • Morgan Rielly: Mo, Boats
  • Cody Ceci: C-C,
  • Jake Muzzin: Muzzy, Jaker
  • Tyson Barrie: Bars, Ty
  • Rasmus Sandin: Sandy, Ras
  • Travis Dermott: Derms, T-D
  • Calle Rosen: Rosey
  • Martin Marincin: Marty, M&M
  • Justin Holl: Hollsy, Holler

Goalies:

There are probably a few nicknames on here which you don’t understand but that’s what makes a nickname good.

Next. Top 5 Bargain UFAs to Help Bring the Cup Home. dark

Sometimes it doesn’t make sense and sometimes it’s as easy as adding an ‘er’ at the end of your name.

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