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The Perfect Hanukkah Gift for Every Player on the Toronto Maple Leafs

By Jeff Borsuk |
Apr 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is congratulated by goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) after he scored against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of game four of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is congratulated by goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) after he scored against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of game four of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, the Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights and often includes presents being shared with those celebrating. The Toronto Maple Leafs can show solidarity with their Jewish fanbase by spinning the dreidel, frying up some latkes, and lighting the menorah.

For Toronto Maple Leafs fans looking to spread some holiday cheer to their favorite players, finding the perfect Hanukkah gift can be as challenging as winning the Stanley Cup.

Fear not though, because we’ve got the perfect individualized gift guide for every single player on the Maple Leafs.

Let’s go!

Toronto Maple Leafs Core Four

Auston Matthews: What do you get for the man who has everything, including a bucket load of goals, unstoppable on-ice moves, and a slick mustache?

The best thing for Auston Matthews is to take his relationship with pop star Justin Bieber to the next level. The best way to do that would be by using one of Bieber’s songs as a personal goal celebration soundtrack. Every time Matthews lights the lamp at home, Scotiabank arena erupts into a chorus of Sorry.

John Tavares: It’s always easy to figure out what to get the Toronto Maple Leafs captain. As with any mechanical being, John Tavares can always use an oil change. It isn’t flashy, but should get him  5,000 to more 7,500 miles.

William Nylander: William Nylander’s luscious locks are the envy of the league. In order to help him keep that the perfect flow, the perfect gift for him is a basket of hair-care products. Nylander’s the type to enjoy Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo at a price point of $160 for just 12 oz.

Mitch Marner: Finding Mitch Marner the right gift takes watching him score his goals. For a person with the personality as large as his, he needs a goal celebration that matches. So that it’s no longer an area requiring improvement, the ideal gift is a goal celebration choreographer. Every goal should be followed by the right moves that keeps the crowd on their feet.

Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs attempts a shot in the second period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 25, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Matthew Knies #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs attempts a shot in the second period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 25, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

The Rest of the Toronto Maple Leafs Forwards

Calle Järnkrok: Calle Järnkrok could use a set of pillows shaped as pucks. A set of plush hockey puck-shaped pillows for impromptu pillow fights with teammates during road trips could help toughen up Järnkrok. He just needs to be careful not to accidentally whack someone into the hotel minibar.

Tyler Bertuzzi: A white labcoat may never be Tyler Bertuzzi’s chosen attire, but getting him a science kit may be a wonderful choice of gifts. Experimenting with simple science may do the winger a world of good.

Max Domi: Max Domi is trying to pave his own way in the NHL, without being compared to his legendary father’s career. Being a fan favourite, Tie Domi can help make Max’s gift happen by playing a game of one-on-one with with his son. This can finally show how different each of the Domis’ styles of play differ.

David Kämpf: It’s not an insult to say that David Kämpf may be one of the most boring players on the Leafs. He’s there to do a job. He wins faceoffs and comes back to defend. Kämpf isn’t flashy and isn’t expected to be. So, the best thing to get a boring player is a boring gift. Kämpf’s best gift is a coffee mug. Just to make it more fun, the coffee mug can be shaped like a hockey skate, complete with a blade-shaped handle, so that the center can kickstart his day with a touch of hockey flair.

Matthew Knies: Matthew Knies is just 21-years-old. It’s about time he got his very own adult colouring book. This coloring book should be filled with comically intricate designs, featuring themes like how to do the laundry and a guide to going grocery shopping.

Nick Robertson: Nick Robertson can use one thing more than anything else, some job security. With it appearing as though Robertson is on the trading block, knowing his future would be extremely beneficial for peace of mind.

Noah Gregor: A puck shaped waffle maker could suit Noah Gregor because it would finally give him more touches with a puck. It’s something the 25-year-old could really use.

Ryan Reaves: Ryan Reaves is setting all the worst records in the NHL. All he really needs is to be on the ice when the Maple Leafs score a goal. Though he’s finally managed to score, it may just be the most lofty of all the potential gifts to give the players.

T.J. Brodie #78 and Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
T.J. Brodie #78 and Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs Defensemen

Morgan Rielly: A breakthrough on cancer research would not only be a wonderful gift to the world but a personal one for Morgan Rielly who lost his grandfather to cancer. His mother Shirley is also a cancer researcher.

T.J. Brodie: T.J. Brodie can get his very own tractor. Brodie grew up on a farm, so while he may not get much use out of it on the streets of Toronto, it would be a nice nostalgic gift for the Chatham, Ontario native.

Mark Giordano: When it comes to nostalgic gifts, Mark Giordano can use one more than anyone. The veteran, who was born in 1983, grew up in the 90s. To bring him back to his childhood, a basket filled with a Tamagotchi, a slap bracelet, a New Kids on the Block cassette, and a Felix Potvin poster will be waiting for him on the first day of Hanukkah.

John Klingberg: John Klingberg has been catching a lot of flack online for his play with the Maple Leafs. Since he struggles to defend his own end, Klingber’s gift is for him to be allowed to switch positions. Instead of lining up at the blue line, Klingberg would officially become a winger.

Simon Benoit: Simon Benoit can use a taste of home. The Quebecois defender, can get a couple dishes that aren’t so easy to find in Toronto, Soupe aux pois and Tourtière. For those unfamiliar, it’s a yellow pea soup along with meat pie.

Timothy Liljegren: The only thing to get Timothy Liljegren is what he needs most, getting healthy and receiving more playing time. It’s time he get an elevated role on the Leafs including more minutes.

Conor Timmins: Connor Timmins would benefit from one-on-one time with an ice dancer to help him be more graceful skating down the ice. Perhaps, Rielly’s fiancée, Tessa Virtue, would be available for a few sessions.

Joseph Woll #60 of the Toronto Maple Leafs makes the save against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Joseph Woll #60 of the Toronto Maple Leafs makes the save against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs Goalies

The Maple Leafs gift set is almost complete. However, we cannot forget about what may be the most important players on the ice, the goaltenders. Goalies need love too.

Joseph Woll: Joseph Woll had the internet buzzing when a fan brought the netminder a brick to sign. This connection shouldn’t end there. While some athletes get shoe deals, Woll should receive the gift of his own signature line of bricks.

Ilya Samsonov: Ilya Samsonov could use getting his mojo back. It’s unclear who stole it, but the netminder desperately needs it returned. It appears that as though Samsonov hasn’t been playing with confidence this season.

Last year, he showed the Toronto Maple Leafs that acquiring him was a stroke of good fortune for the club. This year, he hasn’t seemed like the same player. Perhaps, it’s due to a lack of confidence. With this gift, fans may get to see Samsonov return to form, specifically 2022 form.

Matt Murray: Poor Matt Murray has been forced to the sidelines and will not play at all this season due to injury. The good news though is that he has taken the steps to improve and get himself back to playing in the NHL.

In October, Murray underwent bilateral hip surgery, a major surgery that will keep him out of action for six to eight months. A very optimistic fan will hope that with intense rehab, Murray could be available for the playoffs.

Considering that we’re thinking about the man’s health, we should put that above all else. For Hanukkah, he should receive an easy rehab stint and the ability to make it back to the NHL once he’s ready.

Next. 5 Stars the Leafs Might Trade For. dark

There’s no doubt that the Maple Leafs will love their Hanukkah gifts. Whether they received a practical, personal, imaginative, or just a funny present, it’s all shared in fun. As the candles of the menorah are kindled, we wish all the Maple Leafs and their fans a very happy Hanukkah.

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