The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t been shy at trading for former players in the past and that could happen once again at this year’s NHL Trade Deadline.
The most famous re-return at the NHL Trade Deadline in Toronto Maple Leafs history has to be Doug Gilmour. After spending six seasons with the team in the early-to-mid 1990s, Gilmour was one of (and still is) the biggest fan-favorites in team history.
During Gilmour’s first run in Toronto, the team made it to back-to-back Conference Finals, coming ever so close to their first Stanley Cup appearance since 1967. We can all blame Kerry Fraser for his blown call, making that arguably the biggest “what-if” in Leafs history.
After being traded at the deadline in 1997, Gilmour returned to the Leafs via trade at the 2003 deadline, hoping for one last kick at glory in the blue-and-white. However, that worst-case scenario happened as Gilmour was injured in the second-period of his first game, which sent him into retirement.
Gilmour only played a few shifts with Toronto and never received that true send-off and huge applause from the home crowd as the last game he ever played, happened in Calgary.
It was a disappointing end to his great career and although it didn’t work out, it was still great to see him play one last game with Toronto. As we look to this year’s deadline, there are definitely a few former Leafs available, so it wouldn’t shock me if one of them returns.
GM Kyle Dubas is no stranger to bringing back players he likes, so I’m sure he’ll do it again this year.
Here are five former Toronto Maple Leafs who could return at the NHL Trade Deadline.