Ever since I was a wild little kid running around with my hockey stick in the driveway slapping and hacking away at one of those rock hard orange balls, I can remember being a Leafs fan. I’ve seen a lot of different players put on the blue and white jersey as I’m sure most of you have. Everyone has their favorite player, that’s part of being a fan.

It’s always been a forward for myself. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Morgan Rielly, but he’s far from my favorite player. If you ask me, the Leafs have never really had an ultra stud defender that I can remember. Even after typing this I’m thinking who would be the best defender in the last 35 years? It certainly wasn’t Phaneuf or Ian White, and it definitely wasn’t Jeff Finger or Jake Gardiner, maybe it was before that. Then it came to me, Thomas Kaberle and Bryan McCabe!

What do you think? Rielly over Kaberle? Rielly over McCabe? Who would be your number one?

Back to the topic at hand here, I’ve always enjoyed forwards like Sundin, Clark, Gilmour, Tucker and Roberts. I can remember watching the Leafs in these glory days thinking they had a legit shot to hoist the Cup. As we know that didn’t happen but it sure was some exciting hockey. Leafs just need to break through that first round and they have as good a chance as anyone else.

My favorite player growing up was Doug Gilmour. I’ve met him a couple times and got my picture with him. He’s a great guy, very friendly and was happy to hear I was a fan. He’s much smaller than I thought he would be but also much happier to get bugged by a Leafs nut like myself!

This is the year I bust out the Gilmour playoff jersey from the 90’s as my good luck charm (to put on when the Leafs really need a goal). I’ve not used it yet, I don’t know how much magic it has in it; but when I toss her on I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes.

Dougie G. What a beauty.

In the present era I’m all about big 34, Auston Matthews.

His skill level and shot is something special. Matthews is an all round gamer in every aspect. A full season of Matthews and he’s going to break some more records, book it.

My favorite duo in the current era is the absolute domination put on by Mitch Marner and John Tavares. It’s something special to watch and I can’t remember a more productive pair. It’s only been one season but what a season it was; Tavares smashing his career high. Talk about enjoying playing at home, Johnny T is going to be a force to reckon with in this mixture of young elite talent.

My favorite goalie growing up was Curtis Joseph but I always liked Felix Potvin as well. Maybe it was the scrap against rival Ron Hextall? Wasn’t that a scrap and a half!?

So who’s your favorites?

Have a great long weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Join the Discussion: » 187 Comments » Post New Comment

» Bust out your monocle and take a gander of the Atlantic

» Atlantic Division Spotlight: Tampa Bay Lightning

» Slicing the Atlantic Division in Half

» Atlantic Spotlight: Toronto Maple Leafs

» Atlantic Spotlight: Red Wings