Top 10 Toronto Maple Leafs Legends of the 1990’s
By Mike Jack
Wendel Clark – Toronto Maple Leafs Left-Winger 1985-1994, 1996-1998, 2000
Wendel Clark would has three stints playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs totaling 13 seasons.
He was drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft and played with the Leafs for nine seasons before playing with the Quebec Nordiques and New York Islanders.
Wendel Clark was reacquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Islanders on March 13, 1996 with Mathieu Schneider and D.J. Smith for Sean Haggerty, Darby Hendrickson, Kenny Jönsson and a 1st round draft pick. That first round pick ended up being the fourth overall pick that the Islanders used to select Roberto Luongo.
Two seasons later, Clark would sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but after stints with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, he would return to Toronto as a free agent and retire as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Clark was known for his physical play, goal-scoring ability and leadership which made him a fan favourite in Toronto. He was captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1991-1994.
Wendel Clark’s best season was in 1993-94 where he scored career highs with 46 goals and 76 points in only 64 games. His 46 goals remains the 10th highest single season goal total in Toronto Maple Leafs franchise history.
Wendel Clark will always be remembered as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs with his retired number “17” in the rafters and his statue on Legends Row in Toronto.
Achievements with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1990’s
Statue on Legends Row
Number “17” Retired by Toronto Maple Leafs
#15 on Top 100 Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs Captain 1991-1994
9th in NHL All-Star Team voting 1994
10th Most NHL Goals 1993-94
10th Most Single Season Goals in Toronto Maple Leafs History 1993-94 (46)
8th Most Career Goals in Toronto Maple Leafs History (260)