OTD in 1989, one of the greatest Leafs was drafted into the NHL
On this day in 1989, one of the greatest European players of all time and certainly one of the greatest Leafs of all time was drafted into the NHL. That player was, of course, Mats Sundin. Mats was the first-ever European player drafted first overall in the NHL, by the Quebec Nordiques.
Mats wouldn't break into the NHL until the 1990-91 season, where in 80 games in his rookie year, he would put up 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points. As the years went on with the Nordiques, his point production rose.
At the 1994 draft, Mats' career would change course, as he was traded to Toronto for fan favourite Wendel Clark. Leafs fans were upset that Clark was going, but the blow was softened for some considering that they had this 23-year-old Swedish stud coming back in the deal. Little did Leafs fans know this young kid would become a legend for their franchise.
Sundin would become the Leafs captain, bringing the Leafs on deep playoff runs in the late 90s and early 00s, taking Toronto to the Eastern Conference Finals twice. To this day, Sundin is still the all-time leader in goals and points in Maple Leafs franchise history, with 420 goals and 987 points. (Both franchise records are in jeopardy now with Auston Matthews in the fold).
Even though Mats never won a Stanley Cup, he was successful internationally, with his home country of Sweden, winning three goal medals at the IIHF World Championships and a gold medal at the 2006 Olympics.
Sundin retired from hockey in 2009 after a short stint with the Vancouver Canucks. In 2012 the Maple Leafs retired Sundin's number 13 and raised it to the rafters, and in 2013 he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Mats will go down not only as one of the greatest European players of all time, but as one of the most beloved Maple Leafs ever.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 17 | 302 ANSWERS OTD in 1989, one of the greatest Leafs was drafted into the NHL Who was your all-time favourite Leafs captain? | ||
| Gilmour | 113 | 37.4 % |
| Sundin | 76 | 25.2 % |
| Sittler | 66 | 21.9 % |
| Other | 47 | 15.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
