Auston Matthews Is the Toronto Maple Leafs All-Time Best Player

The Leafs star center is on his way to obliterating numerous records for an original-six, storied franchise. Postseason results aside, his projected numbers leave no doubt about his status as the greatest player in team history.

Apr 24, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) get set for a face-off against the Boston Bruins in game three of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports / John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

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For their centennial celebration before the 2016 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs revealed a list of the one hundred greatest players in team history.

At the time, Dave Keon was selected as the Toronto Maple Leafs top player.

There is no denying his impressive credentials. He led the team's dynastic 1960s era and won four Stanley Cups.

He captured the Lady Bing Trophy twice, won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1967.

Keon played in over 1000 games for the Maple Leafs and ranks third on the team's all-time points list. He also played a strong, two-way game, highlighted by his defense against Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau during the 1967 Stanley Cup Final.

Voted number-two behind Keon, was Mat Sundin. The dependable Swedish center led the team in scoring for all but one of his thirteen seasons in Toronto.

He currently tops the Leafs all-time goals and points lists. The Leafs reached the Conference Final twice during his tenure.

An updated version of the Maple Leafs best all-time players would require a revision at the top. Auston Matthews, drafted the summer before the team's centennial celebration, now deserves the honor of being called the best player in franchise history.

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