Wendel Clark

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

The summer of 1994 marked a turning point when Clark was traded to the Quebec Nordiques in a deal involving Mats Sundin, ending his first stint as captain. After the franchise became the Colorado Avalanche, contract disputes led to his move to the New York Islanders shortly before the 1995–96 season began. In a twist of fate, the Islanders received a 1997 first-round pick from Toronto that turned out to be Roberto Luongo. Clark eventually returned to Toronto in 2000 after stints with Tampa Bay and Detroit. Though not effective during the regular season upon his return, he found his form in the playoffs against the New Jersey Devils, earning a 90-second standing ovation after hitting the post in Game 1 and assisting on the game-winning goal in Game 4 to tie the series.

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.