Wendel Clark

First overall pick in 1985 and Maple Leafs captain from 1991 to 1994.

Wendel Lee Clark (born October 25, 1966) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player whose career spanned from 1985 to 2000. Drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1985, he played for six NHL teams but remains most closely tied to his original club, where he served as captain from 1991 to 1994. Known for converting from a junior defenceman to a forward who combined physical dominance with scoring ability, Clark led the Leafs in goals (34) and penalty minutes (227) during his rookie season. A fan favourite who continues to represent the team at public events, he was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Quick Facts

Born

25 October 1966

Birthplace

Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Canada

Position

Left wing; Defence

Shoots

Left

Played for

Toronto Maple Leafs
Quebec Nordiques
New York Islanders
Tampa Bay Lightning
Detroit Red Wings
Chicago Blackhawks

Draft

1st overall

Drafted by

Toronto Maple Leafs

Lore & Background

Clark's 1993 playoff run remains a defining chapter in Maple Leafs history. After leading his team to a three-game-to-two lead against the Wayne Gretzky-led Los Angeles Kings, Clark delivered two career-defining moments: a toe-to-toe fight with Marty McSorley in Game 1 over a hit on Doug Gilmour, and a hat-trick in Game Six. Despite falling one game short of the Stanley Cup Finals, Clark finished those series with 20 points (10 goals and 10 assists) across 21 games. He later recalled, 'That series was probably the most excitement I saw around here,' noting it was the furthest the Leafs had advanced in a long time. The following season, he achieved a career-high 46 goals in just 64 games, playing alongside Dave Andreychuk and Doug Gilmour before another Conference Finals loss to Vancouver.

Reader's Guide

Clark's journey began as a star defenceman with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League, where he won gold for Canada at the 1985 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships before being converted to forward by Toronto. His rookie season in 1985–86 saw him named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and finish second in Calder Memorial Trophy voting behind Gary Suter. Over his career, he was selected to two NHL All-Star Games (1986 and 1999). Post-retirement, Clark became a community ambassador for the Maple Leafs. His number 17 was raised to the rafters on November 22, 2008, officially retired on October 15, 2016, and he joined other legends on the team's Legends Row statue lineup in February 2017.

Did You Know?

Clark's cousin is Barry Melrose, who coached the Los Angeles Kings during the famous 1993 Campbell Conference Finals series against the Leafs.
His older brother Donn Clark was the head coach of both the Prince Albert Raiders and the Saskatoon Blades.
The first-round pick Toronto received from New York Islanders in a trade involving Clark became Roberto Luongo, selected 4th overall in 1997.
Clark owns Wendel Clark's Classic Grill and Sports Lounge with locations in Saskatoon, Oshawa, and an upcoming site in Grand Prairie.