The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto and compete in the NHL's Eastern Conference, Atlantic Division. They are owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which also owns other Toronto sports teams. Broadcasting rights are shared by BCE Inc. and Rogers Communications.
In 1903, the Toronto Marlboros junior hockey team, which the Marlies were named after, was founded.
From 1912 until 1931, the Arena Gardens, later known as the Mutual Street Arena, became ice hockey's premier site in Toronto.
On November 26, 1917, Toronto's inclusion in the NHL's inaugural season was formally announced, with the Arena Company granted temporary franchise rights.
In 1917, Ken Randall served as the team's first captain for two years, beginning with the inaugural 1917–18 NHL season.
In 1917, the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs were active since the inaugural NHL season.
In 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL) was formed in Montreal by teams formerly belonging to the National Hockey Association (NHA).
In 1917, the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise was founded as the Toronto Arenas for the inaugural NHL season.
On February 2, 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled a new logo for the 2016-17 season in honour of its centennial, dropping the use of the Kabel-style font lettering used from 1970; it returns the logo to a form inspired by the earlier designs, with 17 veins a reference to its establishment in 1917.
On February 20, 1919, with financial difficulties mounting and the Arenas eliminated from the playoffs, the NHL agreed to let the team forfeit their last two games and operations halted, ending its season and starting the playoffs.
In 1919, litigations from Eddie Livingstone forced the Arena Company to declare bankruptcy, leading to the sale of the club to the owners of the amateur St. Patricks Hockey Club.
In 1919, the Toronto club was renamed the St. Patricks, and the uniforms were changed to green with "Toronto St. Pats" on the logo.
Radio broadcasts of Toronto Maple Leafs games were started in 1923.
On December 3, 1924, the Toronto St. Patricks earned a 5–3 victory against the Boston Bruins at Mutual Street Arena in Boston's inaugural season.
In 1924, Nathan Nathanson and Jack Bickell purchased the shares of the Hamblys to become the team's owners, with Bickell investing in the St. Pats.
After 1926, the Stanley Cup was established as the championship trophy of the NHL.
In 1926, Smythe had been tapped as the Rangers' first general manager and coach for their inaugural season but had been fired in a dispute with Madison Square Garden management before the season had begun.
In 1926, the team was forced to play out the remainder of the 1926–27 season as St. Patricks, even after Smythe took control.
On February 14, 1927, Conn Smythe took control of the Toronto St. Patricks, installing himself as governor and general manager and immediately renamed the team the Maple Leafs.
On February 17, 1927, the Leafs wore white sweaters with a green maple leaf for their first game after the team was renamed.
On September 27, 1927, the Maple Leafs announced that they had changed their color scheme to blue and white.
Foster Hewitt became the Toronto Maple Leafs' first play-by-play broadcaster, providing radio play-by-play from 1927 to 1978.
From 1927 to 1989, the Toronto Maple Leafs sponsored the Toronto Marlboros junior hockey team.
In 1927, Conn Smythe bought the Toronto St. Patricks franchise and renamed it the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 1927, Mike Rodden was an interim coach who coached only two games each, losing both games.
In 1927, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings, both Original Six teams, played their first game together.
In 1927, the Toronto Maple Leafs were put up for sale, leading to Conn Smythe purchasing the franchise.
In the 1927–28 season, the Toronto club was renamed the Maple Leafs, the logo was changed, and the team reverted to blue uniforms.
The Maple Leafs failed to make the playoffs.
From 1929 to 1993, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings met each other in 16 playoff series.
In 1929 Harold "Hap" Watson was the Toronto Arenas' announcer before the team moved to Maple Leaf Gardens and became the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 1929, amid the Great Depression, Conn Smythe launched Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL) to finance the construction of Maple Leaf Gardens.
In 1930, Smythe decided to construct a new arena, viewing the Arena Gardens as lacking modern amenities and seating.
On November 12, 1931, the Maple Leafs debuted at their new arena, Maple Leaf Gardens, losing 2–1 to the Chicago Black Hawks.
From 1912 until 1931, the Arena Gardens, later known as the Mutual Street Arena, became ice hockey's premier site in Toronto.
In 1931, the Maple Leafs, led by the "Kid Line" and coached by Dick Irvin, captured their third Stanley Cup, defeating the New York Rangers in the finals.
In 1931, the Toronto Maple Leafs moved to Maple Leaf Gardens after playing at the Mutual Street Arena for their first 14 seasons.
On February 2, 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled a new logo for the 2016-17 season in honour of its centennial, it returns the logo to a form inspired by the earlier designs, with 31 points to allude to the 1931 opening of Maple Leaf Gardens.
For 1933–34, the alternating thin-thick stripes on the Toronto Maple Leafs' uniforms were replaced with stripes of equal thickness.
In 1933, Maple Leafs star forward Ace Bailey was nearly killed when Eddie Shore checked him from behind, leading to the NHL's first All-Star Game to help Bailey.
In 1933, the Toronto Maple Leafs played their first Stanley Cup playoff series against the Boston Bruins, winning the series 3–2.
Originally aired over CFCA, Hewitt's broadcast was picked up by the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission (the CRBC) in 1933.
On February 14, 1934, Ace Bailey's number 6 was retired, marking the first retirement of its kind in professional sports.
In 1935, the Leafs reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost to the Maroons.
In 1936, the Leafs reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost to the Detroit Red Wings.
In 1937, veins were added to the Toronto Maple Leafs' logo, and "Toronto" curved downwards at the ends instead of upwards.
In 1938, the Leafs reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost to Chicago.
From 1940 to 1943, Syl Apps began his first tenure as team captain before enlisting in the Canadian Army.
In 1940, the Leafs reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost to the Rangers.
In 1942, Smythe, who reenlisted in the Canadian Army at the outbreak of World War II, was given leave from military duty to view the final game of the 1942 finals.
In 1942, the 35-point maple leaf was introduced as the Toronto Maple Leafs' logo.
In 1942, the Maple Leafs completed a reverse sweep in the Stanley Cup Finals against Detroit, winning the series after being down three games to none.
In 1945, the Leafs victory over the Red Wings referenced the 1942 Stanley Cup Finals.
From 1940 to 1943, Syl Apps began his first tenure as team captain before enlisting in the Canadian Army and stepping down as captain.
In 1945, Syl Apps returned from the Army and resumed his captaincy until 1948.
In 1945, the Maple Leafs beat the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals in seven games after Detroit came back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the series.
The Leafs had made it to the postseason continuously since the 1945-46 playoffs.
Following the 1946-47 season, the Maple Leafs were awarded the Prince of Wales Trophy.
In 1946, the Toronto Maple Leafs began a dynasty era that spanned from the 1946-47 season to the 1950-51 season.
In 1946, the Toronto Maple Leafs' logo added trimming to the leaf with a white or blue border, while "C" for captain and "A" for alternate captain first appeared on the sweaters.
The Leafs had made it to the postseason continuously since the 1945-46 playoffs.
During the 1947-48 season, the Leafs finished first in the league for the first time since then.
In 1947, Conn Smythe gained a controlling interest in Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL).
In 1947, Smythe acquired controlling interest of the team and would be the franchise's dominant voice for the next four decades.
In 1947, the "Toronto Maple Leafs" lettering was in red for a short time.
In 1947, the Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup finals against the first-place Canadiens.
The first annual NHL All-Star Game was held at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1947.
In 1945, Syl Apps returned from the Army and resumed his captaincy until 1948.
In 1948, the Maple Leafs won their second consecutive Stanley Cup, sweeping the Red Wings in the finals.
In 1949, the Leafs won their third consecutive Stanley Cup, sweeping the Red Wings in four games.
In 1950, the Toronto Maple Leafs completed the 1946-1950 dynasty era, during which the team won multiple Stanley Cup championships.
After the 1951 victory, the Toronto Maple Leafs experienced a decline in performance in subsequent seasons.
In 1951, Bill Barilko scored the series-winning goal in overtime against the Canadiens, securing the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup victory.
In the 1951–52 season, the Leafs finished third and were swept by the Red Wings in the semifinals, continuing a period of lackluster performance after their recent Stanley Cup win.
At the end of the 1954–55 season, Ted Kennedy announced his retirement from the sport, with Sid Smith succeeding him as captain.
At the end of the 1954–55 season, Ted Kennedy announced his retirement from the sport, with Sid Smith succeeding him as captain.
Although Ted Kennedy missed the entire 1955–56 season, he came out of retirement to play the second half of the 1956–57 season. During that half-season, Kennedy served his second tenure as the Maple Leafs' captain.
In 1956, the Toronto Maple Leafs began co-owning the Rochester Americans, an AHL affiliate, with the Montreal Canadiens.
After a two-year absence from the playoffs, the Maple Leafs clinched a playoff berth after the 1958–59 season.
Foster Hewitt provided play-by-play for television from 1952 to 1958, and colour commentary from 1958 to 1961.
Imlach was too loyal to aging players who had been with him since 1958.
In 1958, George Armstrong became captain and served through 1969, becoming the longest-serving captain in team history.
In 1958, a six-eyelet lace and tie were added to the neck and a blue shoulder yoke was added to Toronto Maple Leafs' uniforms.
In 1959, Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL) bought out the Montreal Canadiens' share of the Rochester Americans, giving MLGL sole ownership.
In 1959, under Punch Imlach, the Leafs made it to the Stanley Cup Finals but lost to the Canadiens in five games, despite a successful playoff run.
In the 1960 off-season, the Leafs acquired Red Kelly to bolster their forward group.
In November 1961, Conn Smythe sold nearly all of his shares in Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL) to a partnership, marking a significant change in the club's ownership.
Foster Hewitt provided play-by-play for television from 1952 to 1958, and colour commentary from 1958 to 1961.
From 1961 to 1967, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Red Wings met one another in three playoff series, including two Stanley Cup finals.
In 1961, Conn Smythe sold 90 percent of his shares in Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL) to an ownership group.
In 1961, despite new additions to the team, the Leafs' playoff run ended in the semifinals against the Red Wings due to injuries.
In 1961, player numbers were added to the sleeves of Toronto Maple Leafs' uniforms.
In 1961, the Toronto Maple Leafs began a second dynasty era, spanning from 1961-62 to 1966-67, winning multiple Stanley Cup championships.
Following the 1962-63 season, the Maple Leafs were awarded the Prince of Wales Trophy.
In 1962, the Leafs won the Stanley Cup, which coincided with the discovery of Bill Barilko's plane wreckage, seemingly ending a long-held "curse" and leading to renewed success.
The Toronto Maple Leafs released a second "reverse retro" alternate uniform, featuring the blue version of the white road uniforms they wore in 1962, adding a white shoulder yoke absent on the original blue uniform.
In 1963, after finishing first in the league for the first time since 1947–48, the Leafs won their second Stanley Cup of the decade.
In the 1963 NHL amateur draft, the Maple Leafs selected Walt McKechnie, a centre from the London Nationals with their first pick, sixth overall.
In 1964, during game six of the Cup finals, Bob Baun scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the Red Wings after returning to play with a fractured ankle, contributing to the Leafs' third consecutive Stanley Cup win.
In March 1966, Conn Smythe resigned from the board of directors after a Muhammad Ali boxing match was scheduled for Maple Leaf Gardens, due to Smythe's objection to Ali's refusal to serve in the United States Army.
During the 1966–67 season, the team lost 10 games in a row, leading to Imlach's hospitalization due to a stress-related illness, although they later had a 10-game undefeated streak.
In 1966, MLGL sold the Rochester Americans to an investor group, though it continued to serve as their minor league affiliate.
In 1966, formal NHL sponsorship of junior teams ceased, making all qualifying prospects not already on NHL-sponsored lists eligible for the draft.
In 1966, the Toronto Maple Leafs completed the 1961-1966 dynasty era, during which the team won multiple Stanley Cup championships.
In 1966, the Toronto Maple Leafs logo was changed to an 11-point leaf, similar to the Canadian flag, and the Futura Display typeface replaced the previous block letters.
For the 2020-21 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs wore "reverse retro" alternate uniforms, including silver stripes inspired by the uniforms used from 1970 to 1972 and the club's logo used from 1967 to 1970.
From 1961 to 1967, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Red Wings met one another in three playoff series, including two Stanley Cup finals.
In 1967, the Leafs won their last Stanley Cup against Montreal, with Jim Pappin scoring the series winner in game 6, and Dave Keon being named the playoff's most valuable player.
In 1967, the Maple Leafs lost several players to the NHL expansion draft.
In 2010, the Toronto Maple Leafs brought back the 1967-1970 blue uniform as their third uniform.
In the 1967–68 season, Frank Mahovlich was traded to Detroit in a deal that brought Paul Henderson and Norm Ullman to the Leafs.
In 1969, George Armstrong ended his run as captain. He began his captaincy in 1958, becoming the longest-serving captain in team history.
In 1969, the Toronto Maple Leafs ended their AHL affiliation with the Rochester Americans.
The Maple Leafs completed the 1969–70 season out of the playoffs.
Before the 1970-71 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs adopted a new 11-point leaf logo with a Kabel bold-font "Toronto" across it, along with changes to the sweater design.
Darryl Sittler was drafted in the 1970 draft.
For the 2020-21 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs wore "reverse retro" alternate uniforms, including silver stripes inspired by the uniforms used from 1970 to 1972 and the club's logo used from 1967 to 1970.
From 1968 to 1970, the Maple Leafs made it to the playoffs only once.
In 1992-93, the Toronto Maple Leafs revised their uniforms, featuring two stripes on the sleeves and waistline like the classic uniform, but with the 1970 11-point leaf with Kabel text on the front.
In 2010, the Toronto Maple Leafs brought back the 1967-1970 blue uniform as their third uniform.
On February 2, 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled a new logo for the 2016-17 season, honouring its centennial and dropping the use of the Kabel-style font lettering used from 1970.
The Leafs drafted Darryl Sittler at the 1970 NHL amateur draft.
In October 1971, Stafford Smythe died, leading to a series of events that resulted in Harold Ballard becoming the primary owner of the Maple Leafs.
By the end of 1971, the World Hockey Association (WHA) began operations, creating competition for the NHL and impacting the Maple Leafs.
In February 1972, Ballard bought all of Stafford Smythe's shares for $7.5 million, valuing the company at $22 million.
In February 1972, Harold Ballard became the majority owner of Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL) shortly following the death of Stafford Smythe.
For the 2020-21 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs wore "reverse retro" alternate uniforms, including silver stripes inspired by the uniforms used from 1970 to 1972 and the club's logo used from 1967 to 1970.
In 1972, believing the WHA would not be able to compete against the NHL, Ballard's attitude caused the Maple Leafs to lose key players, including Bernie Parent, to the upstart league.
In 1973, after finishing with the fourth-worst record, the Leafs drafted Lanny McDonald and acquired other top draft picks.
In 1973, the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey featured a lace tie-down design at the neck.
From 1975 to 1979, the Maple Leafs consistently found themselves eliminated in the playoffs by stronger teams.
In 1976, the V-neck design returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey.
In 1977, the NHL rules were changed to require names on the backs of the uniforms.
In the 1977–78 season, Roger Neilson became the head coach of the Maple Leafs.
On February 26, 1978, under Harold Ballard's direction, the Toronto Maple Leafs briefly complied with the NHL's rule requiring names on jerseys by placing blue letters on the blue road jersey for one game.
For the 2022 Heritage Classic, the Toronto Maple Leafs donned a modified version of the team's Arenas throwbacks, featuring blue-on-blue lettering as a nod to the infamous 1978 uniforms.
Foster Hewitt's radio play-by-play for the Toronto Maple Leafs ended in 1978, after starting in 1927.
In 1978, the Marlies franchise was co-founded by MLGL to reestablish their own farm system.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' parent company has owned the Toronto Marlies franchise since 1978.
On December 29, 1979, Darryl Sittler relinquished the captaincy due to a dispute with the Maple Leafs' general manager, Punch Imlach.
After the 1979 playoffs, Roger Neilson and Jim Gregory were fired, with Imlach returning as general manager.
From 1979 to 2021, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens did not meet in the postseason.
Imlach's first choice for coach was his former player Smith
In 1979, during his second stint as general manager, Imlach traded Lanny McDonald in an attempt to undermine Sittler's influence.
On March 14, 1980, Floyd Smith was hospitalized due to a car accident and did not finish the 1979–80 season as coach.
On September 24, 1980, Darryl Sittler resumed his captaincy after the dispute with Punch Imlach was resolved.
In 1980, Dick Duff was an interim coach who coached only two games each, losing both games.
On January 10, 1981, Joe Crozier was replaced by Mike Nykoluk as the head coach of the Maple Leafs.
On January 14, 1981, Ace Bailey's number 6 returned to retirement after Ron Ellis's final game, having briefly been taken out of retirement at Bailey's request.
In September 1981, McNamara, who was inexperienced, was named as Imlach's replacement as general manager of the Maple Leafs.
From 1981 to 1982, MLGL operated the Cincinnati Tigers of the Central Hockey League.
In 1981, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens were placed in opposite conferences, which impacted the rivalry between them.
On January 20, 1982, the Leafs traded Darryl Sittler to the Flyers, leading to Rick Vaive being named the team's captain.
From 1981 to 1982, MLGL operated the Cincinnati Tigers of the Central Hockey League, before ending operations in 1982.
In 1982, the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs entirely, marking a period of low success for the team.
On April 2, 1984, Mike Nykoluk's tenure as head coach of the Maple Leafs ended.
In 1984, radio broadcaster Foster Hewitt received the inaugural Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame, an award named in his honor.
In 1984, the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs entirely, marking a period of low success for the team.
In 1984, the Toronto's College subway station installed murals depicting the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.
The team finished last in the NHL for the first time since the 1984-85 season.
In 1985, the Maple Leafs drafted Wendel Clark first overall, a move that helped lead the team to the playoffs in subsequent years.
In 1985, the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs entirely, marking a period of low success for the team.
Wendel Clark was drafted in the 1985 draft.
From 1986 to 1988, Clark managed to lead the Leafs to the playoffs.
John Brophy named head coach from 1986 to 1988, with little success during his tenure.
In 1987–88, they entered the final day of the season with the worst record in the league, but were only one point behind the Minnesota North Stars and thus were still in playoff contention.
On April 28, 1988, Gord Stellick replaced McNamara as general manager of the Maple Leafs.
From 1986 to 1988, Clark managed to lead the Leafs to the playoffs.
On August 15, 1989, Floyd Smith replaced Gord Stellick as general manager of the Maple Leafs.
From 1927 to 1989, the Toronto Maple Leafs sponsored the Toronto Marlboros junior hockey team, ending sponsorship in 1989.
The Arena Gardens was demolished in 1989, with most of the site converted to residential developments.
On April 11, 1990, Harold Ballard died.
In 1990, Harold Ballard, the principal owner of MLGL, died.
For the NHL's 75th anniversary season in 1991-92, the Toronto Maple Leafs wore "Original Six" style uniforms similar to the designs used in the 1940s.
Between October 17, 1992, and October 15, 2016, the Maple Leafs took a unique approach to retired numbers. Whereas players who suffered a career-ending injury had their numbers retired, "great" players had their number "honoured".
In 1992, the modern Ottawa Senators entered the NHL.
In 1992-93, the Toronto Maple Leafs revised their uniforms, featuring two stripes on the sleeves and waistline like the classic uniform, but with the 1970 11-point leaf.
On October 3, 1993, Syl Apps and Ted Kennedy were the first players to have their numbers honored by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
From 1929 to 1993, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings met each other in 16 playoff series.
In 1993, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings had their last playoff meeting since the Original Six era.
In 1993, the Toronto Maple Leafs had a strong playoff run, defeating the Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues. However, their journey was marked by controversy in the Campbell Conference finals against the Los Angeles Kings, specifically during game six when Wayne Gretzky's high stick on Doug Gilmour went unpenalized, leading to a Kings victory. The Leafs eventually lost the series in game seven.
In the 1993-94 season, the Leafs had a strong regular season, starting with a ten-game winning streak.
In 1994, the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated by the Vancouver Canucks in the conference finals. The team also traded Wendel Clark for Mats Sundin at the NHL entry draft.
In 1996, Larry Tanenbaum bought a 12.5 percent stake in Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL).
In 1997, Mats Sundin became the first non-Canadian to captain the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 1997, Nike acquired the rights to manufacture Toronto Maple Leafs uniforms, introducing changes like a wishbone collar and Kabel font for player names and numbers.
In 1997, the Leafs traded Doug Gilmour to the New Jersey Devils. Following this trade, Mats Sundin was named the team's captain.
On February 12, 1998, Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL) purchased the Toronto Raptors and their arena. Following the acquisition, MLGL was renamed Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE).
Before the 1998–99 season, Toronto Maple Leafs were moved to the Eastern Conference's Northeast Division with Ottawa.
In 1998, Curtis Joseph was acquired as the starting goalie, and Pat Quinn was hired as head coach. Also, the Leafs were moved to the Eastern Conference due to NHL realignment.
In 1998, an ownership group fronted by Steve Stavro privatized Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL).
In 1998, the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. As a result, general manager Cliff Fletcher was relieved of his duties.
In 1998, the Toronto Maple Leafs moved to the Eastern Conference, facing the Detroit Red Wings less often and causing the rivalry to stagnate.
In 1998, the Toronto Maple Leafs were moved into the Eastern Conference's Northeast Division, making the rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens intradivisional again.
In 1999, CCM returned to manufacturing Toronto Maple Leafs uniforms when Nike withdrew from the hockey jersey market, keeping most of the changes introduced by Nike.
In 1999, the Leafs advanced to the conference finals but lost to the Buffalo Sabres in five games.
At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game hosted in Toronto, the NHL announced the league-wide retirement of Wayne Gretzky's number 99, including for the Maple Leafs.
From 2000 to 2004, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators played four postseason series; the Leafs won all four.
In 2000, the Toronto Maple Leafs replaced Kabel numbers with block numbers outlined in silver, and a silver-outlined interlocked TML monogram replaced the vintage leaf on the shoulders.
In the 1999-2000 season, the Leafs hosted the 50th NHL All-Star Game. The team also recorded their first 100-point season and won their first division title in 37 years.
From 2001 to 2022, MLSE operated a specialty channel, the Leafs Nation Network.
In the 2001 playoffs, the Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators in the first round and lost to the New Jersey Devils in the second round.
In November 2002, Sports Illustrated hockey writer Michael Farber named the Toronto Maple Leafs as the "Most Hated Team in Hockey".
During the 2002 off-season, the Leafs signed Ed Belfour as their new starting goaltender, replacing Curtis Joseph.
In the 2002 playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games in the conference finals, following series wins against the Islanders and Senators.
Before the 2003-04 NHL Season, the team held their training camp in Sweden, and played in the NHL Challenge against teams from Sweden and Finland.
In 2003, Ed Belfour was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. Also in 2003, Stavro sold his controlling interest in MLSE to the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP), and John Ferguson Jr. replaced Pat Quinn as general manager.
Following the 2004-05 NHL Lockout, the Maple Leafs experienced their longest playoff drought in team history.
Following the 2004-05 lockout, Reebok took over the NHL jersey contract, leading to changes expected in 2007 with the Edge uniform system debut.
From 2000 to 2004, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators played four postseason series; the Leafs won all four.
In 2004, the Toronto Maple Leafs enjoyed a very successful regular season, finishing with a then-franchise-record 103 points. They defeated the Senators in the first round of the playoffs but lost to the Flyers in the second round.
In 2005, the Leafs missed the playoffs, marking their first time missing the postseason under coach Quinn, who was subsequently relieved of his duties.
On June 30, 2006, the Leafs bought out Tie Domi's contract and declined the option on Ed Belfour's contract, leading to him becoming a free agent.
In 2007, as part of the Edge overhaul, the Toronto Maple Leafs removed the TML monograms from the shoulders and changed the silver outlines on the numbers.
In the 2006-07 NHL Season, the team did not make the playoffs.
In January 2008, John Ferguson Jr. was fired as general manager and replaced on an interim basis by Cliff Fletcher.
On May 7, 2008, after the 2007–08 season, the Leafs fired Paul Maurice, and hired Ron Wilson as the new head coach.
On November 29, 2008, Brian Burke was hired as the Maple Leafs' general manager.
On June 26, 2009, Brian Burke made his first appearance as the Leafs GM at the 2009 NHL entry draft, selecting London Knights forward Nazem Kadri with the seventh overall pick.
On September 18, 2009, the Leafs traded draft picks to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Phil Kessel.
The Ford Performance Centre was opened in 2009 and operated by the Lakeshore Lions Club.
On January 31, 2010, the Leafs traded with the Calgary Flames to acquire Dion Phaneuf.
In 2010, the Toronto Maple Leafs restored the two waistline stripes, brought back the vintage leaf to the shoulders, and changed the player names and numbers to a simpler single-colour block font.
On February 18, 2011, Tomas Kaberle was traded to the Bruins in exchange for prospects and draft picks.
In September 2011, the City of Toronto took over ownership of the Ford Performance Centre after the Lakeshore Lions Club faced financial difficulties.
During the 2011-12 season, fans attending the games chanted for the dismissal of head coach Ron Wilson, who was let go shortly after the fans' outburst.
In 2011, parts of the site were made into a city park, known as Arena Gardens.
On February 11, 2012, Mats Sundin was the last player to have his number honored by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On March 2, 2012, Randy Carlyle replaced Ron Wilson as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In August 2012, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) completed the sale of their shares in MLSE to BCE Inc. and Rogers Communications.
In 2012, Morgan Rielly was drafted.
In 2012, the present ownership structure of MLSE emerged after the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan sold its 75 percent stake to Bell Canada and Rogers Communications.
On January 9, 2013, Dave Nonis replaced Brian Burke as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Boston Bruins rallied from a 4–1 third-period deficit to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime, 5–4.
Following the 2013-14 regular season, Brendan Shanahan was named president.
In 2013, the Detroit Red Wings moved to the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, making the rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs intradivisional again.
In September 2014, Legends Row, a granite hockey bench with statues of former club players, was unveiled outside Scotiabank Arena.
During the 2014-15 season, Toronto Maple Leafs fans threw jerseys onto the ice to show their disapproval of the team's poor performances.
For the 2014 NHL Winter Classic, the Toronto Maple Leafs wore a sweater inspired by their earlier uniforms in the 1930s.
In 2014, William Nylander was drafted.
In a 2014 survey by ESPN The Magazine, the Toronto Maple Leafs were ranked last out of 122 professional teams in the Big Four leagues, particularly for ticket affordability.
On January 6, 2015, Randy Carlyle was fired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On February 6, 2015, the Toronto Maple Leafs set a new franchise record of 11 consecutive games without a win.
On May 20, 2015, Mike Babcock was named as the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On July 1, 2015, Phil Kessel was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a multi-player deal.
During the 2014-15 season, Toronto Maple Leafs fans threw jerseys onto the ice to show their disapproval of the team's poor performances in 2015.
In 2015, Mitch Marner was drafted.
On February 2, 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled a new logo for the 2016-17 season, honouring its centennial and dropping the Kabel-style font.
On February 9, 2016, Dion Phaneuf was traded to the Ottawa Senators in a multi-player deal.
As of March 2016, Toronto Maple Leafs' season tickets saw a renewal rate of 99.5 percent, requiring more than 250 years to clear the waiting list.
On June 24, 2016, during the 2016 NHL entry draft, a new uniform design accompanied the updated logo, featuring a custom block typeface for player names and numbers.
Between October 17, 1992, and October 15, 2016, the Maple Leafs took a unique approach to retired numbers, ending it on this date.
During the later portion of the 2015–16 season, Toronto Maple Leafs fans were heard sarcastically chanting "Let's go Blue Jays!" as a sign of their shift in priority to the more successful Blue Jays season in 2016.
On January 1, 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs played the Detroit Red Wings in a home game at BMO Field, known as the NHL Centennial Classic.
In a study conducted by sports retailer Fanatics in March 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Minnesota Wild were the only two NHL teams to average arena sellouts despite a below league average winning percentage.
On April 23, 2017, the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs by the Washington Capitals.
As of October 2017, Legends Row featured statues of 14 players with retired numbers.
The Leafs acquired a second-round pick from the Ottawa Senators.
In May 2018, Kyle Dubas was named the team's 17th general manager.
During the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games.
For the 2018 NHL Stadium Series, the Toronto Maple Leafs wore a white uniform with two blue stripes across the chest and arms, paired with white pants, as a tribute to the Royal Canadian Navy.
In 2018, Forbes estimated the value of the Toronto Maple Leafs at US$1.45 billion, ranking them as the second most valuable NHL franchise.
In 2018, the Newfoundland Growlers became the ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On October 2, 2019, John Tavares was named as the team's 25th team captain.
During the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games.
During the 2019–20 season, Toronto Maple Leafs fans vandalized Mike Babcock's Wikipedia article amid the poor records of the first few months.
From 1933 to 2019, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins played in 16 postseason series against one another, including one Stanley Cup Finals.
The Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round of the 2019 playoffs by the Boston Bruins.
The Mastercard Centre for Hockey Excellence was renamed the Ford Performance Centre in 2019.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, the Leafs were temporarily moved to the North Division for the 2020–21 season.
During the 2019-2020 season, the Leafs relieved Babcock and named Sheldon Keefe as coach. The Maple Leafs were later eliminated in the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers.
For the 2020-21 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs wore "reverse retro" alternate uniforms, including silver stripes inspired by the uniforms used from 1970 to 1972 and the club's logo used from 1967 to 1970.
On May 8, 2021, the Toronto Maple Leafs clinched the North Division title. Additionally, Auston Matthews led the league in goals and won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.
During the 2021–22 season, Sheldon Keefe earned the most points of any Leafs head coach in a single season, with 115 points.
From 1979 to 2021, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens did not meet in the postseason.
On March 22, 2022, the Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled a new alternate uniform with black as the base color, featuring a tie-dye crest and a reversible crest with Justin Bieber's drew house insignia.
During the 2022 off-season, the Leafs saw the departure of Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek, and acquired Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov to fill their goalie positions.
For the 2022 Heritage Classic, the Toronto Maple Leafs donned a modified version of the team's Arenas throwbacks, featuring blue-on-blue lettering as a nod to the infamous 1978 uniforms.
From 2001 to 2022, MLSE operated a specialty channel, the Leafs Nation Network.
In the 2022-23 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced a uniform sponsorship with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, utilizing the organization's "Milk" insignia.
After the 2023-2024 season, Sheldon Keefe was dismissed as head coach on May 9th, and Craig Berube was hired as his successor on May 17th.
At the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, the top franchise leaders in regular season points, goals, assists, points per game, games played, and goaltending wins were determined for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 2023, Kyle Dubas' contract as general manager was not renewed, and he was replaced by Brad Treliving on May 31st for the 2023-24 season.
In 2023, there were discussions about selling the team, with offers and negotiations taking place.
In the 2023 draft, Easton Cowan was drafted.
In the 2023-2024 season, Auston Matthews broke his own career and franchise records for goals in a season, with 69, and was awarded his third Rocket Richard Trophy.
On May 17, 2024, Craig Berube was named the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In July 2024, the Cincinnati Cyclones signed an agreement to become the ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On August 14, 2024, John Tavares relinquished his role as captain to Auston Matthews, with Matthews becoming the 26th overall and first American-born captain in franchise history.
During the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games.
In 2024, the Toronto Maple Leafs finished with a 46–26–10 record and were again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, falling to the Boston Bruins in seven games.
Information was updated on March 9, 2025.
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