The Maple Leafs announce the passing of a former Leafs player and coach
Something sad and unfortunate to report to Leafs Nation on Monday, as the Maple Leafs, via the team's official Twitter account, have passed along the news that a member of the Leafs, Mike Nykoluk, has passed away at the age of 87.
Nykoluk started his hockey career as a member of the OHA's Toronto Marlboros. He did go on to play 32 games as a member of the Leafs in the 1956-57 season, but was a fixture in the AHL for the Hershey Bears for the vast majority of his pro career.
Mike won the Les Cunningham Award in 1966-67, being recognized as the AHL's MVP after recording 84 points in 72 games with the Bears.
The Toronto, Ontario native joined the coaching ranks after his 16-year AHL career, beginning with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1972-73 as an assistant coach. He would go on to win a Stanley Cup with the Flyers as an assistant coach in 1974-75. Nykoluk returned home in 1981 to become head coach the Leafs for 3 seasons before the end of his NHL coaching career in 1984. He was inducted into the AHL's Hall of Fame in 2007.
On behalf of the entire team at LetsGoLeafs.com, I'd like to take this time to send our deepest condolences to Nykoluk's family and friends. Rest in peace, Mike.
