There are a few former Toronto Maple Leafs players available as UFA’s or via trade that the team should go after this offseason.
Throughout the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs, there have been plenty of players who have left and returned at a later date. Whether it was Wendel Clark, Curtis Joseph or Doug Gilmour, all three of those players were pivitol during the prime years with the club, before returning for a last gasp at the end of their career.
Gilmour’s return to Toronto was one of the greatest/saddest moments in Leafs history.
How can something be so amazing, yet sad at the same time, you ask? Well, the return of Gilmour to Toronto was spectacular when it happened. After becoming a fan-favorite in the early 1990s, the former captain was finally coming back for one last shot at a Stanley Cup where he had so many great memories.
However, that dream ended roughly 10 minutes into his first game back with the Leafs.
During Gilmour’s second shift in his first game back after seven years, Gilmour collided into a Calgary Flames player and tore his ACL. He never played another game in the NHL and that dream of one last playoff run in Toronto ended.
It could have been a wonderful finale for Gilmour and all Leafs fans, but instead, it was a disappointing and sad ending.
Speaking of former players, here are three Toronto Maple Leafs alumni who could return to the club this offseason.