Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Top 5 Toronto Maple Leafs Draft Picks of All-Time

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs takes a shot on goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period at BB&T Center on February 27, 2020 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs takes a shot on goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period at BB&T Center on February 27, 2020 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 28: Darryl Sittler #27 of the Toronto Maple Leafs Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres during NHL game action on November 28, 1981 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 28: Darryl Sittler #27 of the Toronto Maple Leafs Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres during NHL game action on November 28, 1981 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images) /

2) Darryl Sittler

Drafted 8th overall in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft

Coming in at number two is one of the greatest leaders to ever don a Maple Leafs sweater. Darryl Sittler is the holder of many Maple Leafs records, including famously putting up 10 points in a single game–a feat yet to be broken by an NHL player.

After being drafted, Sittler had a slow entrance into the league during his first two seasons.

But by year three, he was playing at a point-per-game pace. As his stardom in the NHL grew, he became the first Maple Leaf ever to score 100 points in a season in 1975-76.

He would continue to lead the Leafs for the rest of the decade as captain of the team. His leadership skills were a crucial part of his character as well.

Let’s not forget the moment he ripped off his captain’s C after Imlach traded McDonald away, proving his commitment to standing up for his teammates.

Sittler was undisputedly the best player for the Leafs in the 70s. Over the course of his 12 year career with Toronto, he amassed 916 points in 844 games.

Although he had his ups and downs in Toronto, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989, solidifying his legacy. Drafting one of the greatest players in his draft at eighth overall was one of the best choices in Leafs draft history.

Home/Editorials