Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Toronto Maple Leafs.
What exactly is the Toronto Maple Leafs?
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey franchise based in Toronto, Ontario, competing in the National Hockey League's Atlantic Division. They were founded in 1917 and are one of the league's original six teams, making them one of the oldest continuously operating NHL clubs.
Why are they called 'Leafs' with no 'e'?
The team's name references the maple leaf, a national symbol of Canada, and the deliberate omission of the second 'e' was a stylistic choice made at the team's founding. It has remained the official spelling for over a century.
Where do the Leafs play their home games?
They currently play at Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto, which opened in 1999 and previously carried the Air Canada Centre name. Before that, the team called Maple Leaf Gardens home for nearly 70 years, a venue that became iconic in hockey history.
When did the Leafs last win the Stanley Cup?
The most recent championship came in 1967, when the team captured the Cup in a best-of-seven series against the Montreal Canadiens. That title ended a run that saw them win four consecutive Cups from 1962 to 1967, and the drought that followed is one of the longest in all of North American professional sports.
How many Stanley Cups have the Leafs won in total?
The franchise has claimed 13 Stanley Cup championships throughout its history, with the earliest in 1918 and the latest in 1967. That total places them among the most decorated teams in NHL history.
Who are the most legendary players associated with the Leafs?
Names that define the franchise include goaltender Johnny Bower, defenseman Doug Harvey, and forward Frank Mahovlich, all of whom were central to the team's 1960s dynasty. More recently, Swedish forward Mats Sundin is widely regarded as the face of the modern era, having spent his entire 19-year career in Toronto.
Who are the current marquee players fans follow?
Auston Matthews, a two-time Art Ross Award winner, and Mitch Marner form the core of the team's offense and are the primary focal points of the roster. Center William Nylander and goaltender Ilya Samsonov round out the group most frequently discussed in fan circles.
What are the Leafs' biggest rivalries?
The oldest and most heated rivalry is with the Montreal Canadiens, a matchup that dates back to the league's earliest seasons and carries deep cultural weight across the border. The Boston Bruins rivalry has also grown into a major annual fixture, particularly during the playoffs.
What conference and division do the Leafs belong to?
They compete in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division alongside teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and Buffalo Sabres. This placement shapes their regular-season schedule and playoff seeding each year.
Where should a newcomer start to get into the Leafs?
Watching a full home game at Scotiabank Arena or streaming one on a sports network gives the best feel for the team's pace and the fan atmosphere. Pairing that with a short documentary on the 1967 Cup run or the Sundin era provides the emotional and historical context that makes following the franchise more rewarding.