It’s the Maple Leafs 100th birthday next year, did you know? It’s coming out in subtle announcements but it’s true. With 99 years in the books this November, I’m embarking on my most ambitious series yet.
I, elseldo, will go through each number from 99-1, and looking through the players who wore that number and then name the player who would best represent that number if each number had a banner.
The high numbers will be easier as many of them have never been worn, or only worn by one or two players.
The below numbers are retired by the Maple Leafs:
#5 - Bill Barilko
#6 - Ace Bailey
The below numbers are still active, but the team has honoured players who have worn them:
#1 Johnny Bower & Turk Broda
#4 Hap Day & Red Kelly
#7 King Clancy & Tim Horton
#9 Charlie Conacher & Ted Kennedy
#10 Syl Apps & George Armstrong
#13 Mats Sundin
#17 Wendel Clark
#21 Borje Salming
#27 Frank Mahovlich & Darryl Sittler
#93 Doug Gilmour
So uh.