The Three Best Trades in Toronto Maple Leafs History
Old Prof
6 – 7 minutes

EzoicThe Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in the NHL. While the team has had its share of missteps in the trade department, some key deals have shaped the franchise’s future. These trades have brought in players who became icons in Toronto and left an indelible mark on the team’s history. In this post, I’ll look at the three most significant trades in the history of the Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs Third-Best Trade: The Rick Vaive, Bill Derlago, and Tiger Williams Trade (1980)

In 1980, the Maple Leafs sent forward Dave “Tiger” Williams and Jerry Butler to the Vancouver Canucks. Coming back were Rick Vaive and Bill Derlago.

The most notable player to come out of this trade for Toronto was Rick Vaive. Vaive would become one of the best and most important players in the Maple Leafs’ history. He was the first player in franchise history to score 50 goals in a season (1982-83). As well, he developed into a key leader for the team throughout the 1980s. His scoring ability and physical play made him an immediate fan favorite, and his impact on the team was enormous.

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Williams gained a reputation as one of the toughest players in the NHL. He was known for his gritty play and fighting skills. Still, Vaive’s offensive explosion became the cornerstone of this trade. His 50-goal seasons were a key factor in the Maple Leafs’ competitiveness during the early 1980s.

This trade had lasting ramifications for the Maple Leafs. It delivered the team its first 50-goal scorer and one of the most consistent offensive players in its history. Vaive’s tenure in Toronto elevated the team’s competitiveness in the 1980s and established him as one of the most important players in Maple Leafs’ history.
The Maple Leafs Second-Best Trade: The Mats Sundin Trade (1994)

In 1994, the Toronto Maple Leafs, under general manager Cliff Fletcher, acquired Mats Sundin from the Quebec Nordiques. In that trade, fan favorite Wendel Clark, Sylvain Lefebvre, and Landon Wilson moved to Quebec. Sundin became the face of the franchise for the next 13 years. Clark was beloved in Toronto, and his departure was painful for fans. However, the arrival of Sundin—who was just 23 then—proved to be a game-changer for the Maple Leafs.

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Sundin became the first European-born captain in the franchise’s history. He held this distinction for the entirety of his time in Toronto. Over his tenure, Sundin set franchise records for goals, assists, and points. He became one of the most skilled players in the NHL. His leadership, both on and off the ice, was a guiding force for the team during the late 1990s and early 2000s.