It doesn’t matter who you are. Toronto is the kind of town in which depth guys from twenty years ago have the ability to draw crowds in the thousands for a mid-week hockey card signing. Being a Maple Leaf is a life-long marker; a permanent licence for fame and recognition that lasts well after your playing days are over.
Of course, this doesn’t happen to everyone. Some players make barely a cameo for the blue and white at one point or another before vanishing off into the ether. It happens, but it’s not the majority.
Brian Boyle, for example, spent all of 27 games with the Maple Leafs back in 2016-17, scored zero goals, was bounced in the first-round, and could still walk into any self-respecting sports bar in the downtown core right this minute and likely drink for free.