OTD in 2008: 14 years ago today was one of the worst days in Maple Leafs history
Mats Sundin was, and is, a Toronto icon. He was a leader the likes of which the Leafs haven't seen since. John Tavares is a good captain, but he didn't carry the entire franchise like Mats did. Being in the building to watch Sundin unleash an absolute howitzer over the shoulder of Flames goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff for his 500th career goal was an experience I will never forget. It was his third goal of the game, short handed, in overtime. Unforgettable.
14 years ago today, in 2008, Mats Sundin's 13 year career with the Maple Leafs came to an end when he signed a one year deal with the Vancouver Canucks. Sundin still holds Leafs records for goals, points, power play goals, game winning goals, and overtime goals. His departure came after 3 straight seasons that saw Leafs miss the playoffs.
The reasons behind his departure were understandable. The Leafs weren't competitive, he wanted one more shot at a cup, and he wanted to play with his Swedish countrymen, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. He played 41 games for the Canucks, scoring 9 goals and 28 points. Many Leafs fans were extremely upset by his departure, mainly because when the Leafs had asked him to waive his no trade clause during the previous season and Sundin had refused. As a result, the Leafs lost their best player without any return.
Sundin would return to Toronto in Canucks garb just a couple of months later. The game came down to a shootout. With the score tied and just one shot left, Sundin drove a dagger into the hearts of Leafs fans everywhere.
Of course, the pain of that moment doesn't erase the 13 seasons Sundin spent with the Leafs. His records have stood the test of time, only threatened at this point by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. His likeness is forever immortalized in bronze on Legends Row, and his banner hangs in the rafters of Scotiabank Arena. Arguably the greatest Maple Leafs of all time, Sundin still deserves the love of Leafs fans, even if his departure did sting.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 550 ANSWERS OTD in 2008: 14 years ago today was one of the worst days in Maple Leafs history Is Mats Sundin the greatest Leaf of all time? | ||
| Yes | 179 | 32.5 % |
| No, no cups | 178 | 32.4 % |
| Dave Keon was better | 146 | 26.5 % |
| I'm still mad at him | 47 | 8.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
