When you look at the Toronto Maple Leafs potential opening night roster, the vast majority of those players are under the age of 30.
Clearly, the Leafs are in win-now mode and their youthful core that has yet to reach their peak will be counted on to lead the team to the promised land. While watching the young talent do its thing will make for an exciting season ahead, the experienced players still play a vital part in making it work.
One such veteran is Patrick Marleau, who recently turning 39. While Marleau is jokingly seen as the “father” of players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, (shown here from this picture posted by Christina Marleau) he provides veteran leadership and can still be an effective player for the Leafs.