#4. Auston Matthews (2019-20)
This isn’t recency bias, folks. Matthews was having one of the greatest seasons in the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs last year before the pandemic cut everything short. Matthews’ 35 even-strength goals tied him for the NHL lead in that category and his 47 total goals was second (just one back) in the league.
If he was able to finish out all 82-games, Matthews was on-pace for 55 goals and 94 points. Those numbers would have been good enough for the most goals in team history and 10th in total points scored.
When your team has someone as great as Matthews, it may be easy to take him for granted, but please don’t. We’re currently watching one of the greatest Leafs to ever play and I’m not even sure if he’s in his prime yet.
#3. Doug Gilmour (1993-94)
From 1992-to-1994, Gilmour was considered one of the greatest hockey players in the world. That’s amazing company any year, but when Wayne Gretzky is still playing, that’s even better. Gilmour is one of the most beloved Leafs in history and it’s easy to see why.
During the 1993-94 season, Gilmour had 111 points, finishing 4th in the NHL. Averaging one assist per game, Gilmour finished with 84 assists in 83 games, which was only second to Gretzky.
His vision and playmaking ability was one of the best that any Leafs player ever possessed and he’s one of the main reasons why the team had so much success in the early 1990s. This won’t be the last time we talk about Gilmour today.