The Toronto Maple Leafs are locked in a tight battle for the third spot in the Atlantic division, trailing the Tampa Bay Lightning by just one point and closely pursued by the Detroit Red Wings. The Leafs hold the first wildcard spot with 35 games left in the regular season after the NHL All-Star break
The Leafs’ position in the playoff race has significant implications for their postseason matchups and overall season trajectory, with potential scenarios ranging from facing the Florida Panthers to contending with other top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Bob Baun (second row, second from right) passed away last year, leaving just seven members of the 1967 Stanley Cup-winning Leafs club surviving. SUN FILES PHOTO
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Every year, their ranks get fewer, yet their influence never goes away.
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The final physical link to Toronto’s former NHL dynasty, the Maple Leafs, who won the Stanley Cup in 1967, will receive special attention on Thursday night during all-star week in Toronto.
The NHL Alumni Man of the Year award will be given to the team’s seven surviving members: Dave Keon, Frank Mahovlich, Ron Ellis, Bob Pulford, Peter Stemkowski, Mike Walton, and Brian Conacher.
Between the Professional Women’s Hockey League three-on-three match, which is scheduled to air on Sportsnet/ESPN at 7:15 p.m., and the all-star game draft, they will be escorted into Scotiabank Arena by the Highland Creek Pipe Band. Following that, they will attend a VIP event at the Hall of Fame.
Center Walton of the ’67 team remarked, “It’s a really nice gesture by the Alumni and the NHL players association for us.” Although I’m from Toronto, it will be awesome to see all the men from out of town.
A video tribute to some of the teammates who have passed away recently will be displayed at the Hall and the Arena. These teammates include Johnny Bower (2017), Eddie Shack (2020), Red Kelly (2019), captain George Armstrong (2021), Bob Baun from last year, Jim Pappin, Larry Hillman, and Larry Jeffrey (2022).
“A lot of family members will be present as well,” stated Walton, 79.
Their victory occurred during Canada’s centennial, the NHL’s 50th season, and the Leafs’ final series against the Montreal Canadiens before the league’s size doubled to twelve clubs.
Punch Imlach’s team defeated the Habs in six games after shocking the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round. The team’s average age was a record thirty-two.
Walton laughed, “They had the parade route planned in Montreal.” “I have the utmost regard for the players that were a part of our squad in the past. Legends like Bower, Baun, Marcel Pronovost, and Allan Stanley.
Article content: “Although I was fortunate enough to be a member of the Boston Bruins’ Cup team in ’72, you don’t realize at the time that you might not have another opportunity.”
The only other Leafs from that season to win the championship twice were Mahovlich and Hillman, both of Montreal.
Walton said, “It’s unfortunate the Leafs haven’t done it since.” However, they have incredibly interesting players to watch in the form of Auston Matthews and William Nylander, who are the stars. All they need to do in the upcoming years is fill in a few gaps.
Presented in honor of the late Blackhawk Keith Magnuson, Bryan Trottier, a six-time Cup champion and top-100 NHL player, will give the Alumni award. In order to make a successful transition beyond their playing days, former players are recognized for having “applied the intangibles of perseverance, commitment and teamwork developed through the game.”
This group of senior Leafs sharing the spotlight with the current generation in Saturday’s showcase has an air of all-star irony.
They were the final Cup winners to play against an all-star team made up of the best players from the remaining Original Six clubs. Played Jan. 16, 1968, at the Gardens, the Leafs won 4-3 in a far-from-friendly affair recounted Walton.
Punch and I didn’t get along at the time, so he wouldn’t play me much in that particular game, Walton stated. “I got the puck in our end and took off up ice when he did put me out.” About three spears were pierced by Gordie Howe, who was behind me.
Article content: “I punched out and let go of my gloves.” Once the game was over, I showed the reporters the welts I had from it, but Gordie later claimed it never happened (they earned offsetting minor penalties). He was among the roughest players ever and utilized a shorter stick.
But the premise of the game itself was sound. We gave it our whole attention. Nobody desired to come out on top.
Walton is excited to watch four incredibly talented teams on Saturday with so much free ice because he enjoys watching three-on-three overtime.
“From beginning to end, it’s amazing. More than five minutes of overtime during the regular season is what I would want to see. Give each team a point and do away with the shootout if after a while no one scores.
