The Toronto Maple Leafs: Counting Retired Numbers, Not Cups (We Know, It Hurts)
Ah, the Toronto Maple Leafs. A team steeped in history, boasting a legion of loyal fans...and a distinct lack of recent Stanley Cup victories. But hey, at least they're good at something, right? Like retiring jersey numbers! Maybe a little too good...
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| How Many Numbers Are Retired By The Toronto Maple Leafs |
Numbers Out of Circulation: More Than You Think!
While many teams hand out jersey numbers like candy on Halloween, the Maple Leafs take a more... selective approach. Officially, there are 13 numbers retired to honor some of the team's greatest players. That's a respectable number, right? Well, here's the twist: those 13 numbers represent 19 players! Seems like some of these legends shared threads back in the day.
Fun Fact: The Maple Leafs actually hold the distinction of being the first team in all of professional sports to retire a jersey number, way back in 1934 for Ace Bailey's number 6. Take that, everyone else!
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The Plot Thickens: Honoured Numbers vs. Retired Numbers
Now, things get a little confusing. The Leafs also have a category of "honoured numbers" that aren't technically retired, but haven't been used by new players since 2016. So, basically, they're in jersey number purgatory. This adds another 6 numbers to the mix, bringing the total number of honoured/retired Maple Leaf numbers to a whopping 19.
Side note: This whole "honoured numbers" thing caused a bit of a stir when James van Riemsdyk had to switch his number after they yanked Borje Salming's 21 out of circulation. Awkward!
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
So, How Many Numbers Are ACTUALLY Retired?
Here's the answer you've been waiting for: It depends on how you define "retired."
- Officially retired: 13 numbers (honoring 19 players)
- Including "honoured numbers": 19
Look, it's a complicated situation, but one thing's for sure: the Maple Leafs have a lot of respect for their legendary players. Maybe one day they'll retire a number for a recent Stanley Cup victory, but hey, a man can dream, right?
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Maple Leaf Number Retirement FAQs
How to know if a number is retired by the Maple Leafs? Check the rafters at Scotiabank Arena! If you see a banner with a number on it, it's either retired or "honoured."
How many Stanley Cup championships do the Maple Leafs have? This one might sting a bit. The Leafs last won the Cup in... 1967. Ouch.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
How to become a Toronto Maple Leafs fan? Prepare for heartbreak, but also, enjoy a passionate and historic team!
How to convince the Maple Leafs to retire MY number? Unless you're a future Hall of Famer who played for the Leafs, this might be a tough sell.
How to win the Stanley Cup as a Maple Leafs fan? This is the million-dollar question. Unfortunately, there's no guaranteed method, but blind optimism and a strong liver seem to help.
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