The Toronto Maple Leafs: Retiring Numbers Like They're Going Out of Style (Spoiler Alert: They Did)
Ah, the Toronto Maple Leafs. A team steeped in history, rabid fans, and...well, a distinct lack of Stanley Cup victories in recent decades. But hey, at least they've got their retired numbers on lock, right? Right?
Not so fast, my friend. The whole "retired number" thing with the Leafs is a bit of a rollercoaster ride, filled with more twists and turns than a Mats Sundin highlight reel.
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| How Many Numbers Have The Toronto Maple Leafs Retired |
From Humble Beginnings to Hoarding Numbers: The Early Days
The Leafs hold the honour of being the first team in all of professional sports to retire a jersey number. Way back in 1934, they yanked number 6 off the board in memory of the legendary Ace Bailey. For decades, that was pretty much it. The Leafs were like that friend who hoards clothes, only using the same two sweaters on repeat.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
The Great Jersey Retirement Spree of 2017: Party Like It's 1999 (But With More Banner Raising)
Then came 2017, the year the Leafs decided retirement homes for jerseys were all the rage. In a dramatic pre-season ceremony, they retired a whopping 13 numbers in one fell swoop, honouring 19 players. It was like a clearance sale for sweater numbers, with greats like Dave Keon, Tim Horton, and Wendel Clark finally getting their jerseys hoisted to the rafters.
This move was met with mixed reviews. Some fans cheered the long-overdue recognition. Others grumbled that it cheapened the honor of retirement. Let's be honest, folks, it was a bold strategy Cotton...let's see if it pays off in the form of a championship. (Spoiler alert again: it hasn't...yet).
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
So, How Many Numbers Are ACTUALLY Retired by the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Now, here's the thing. Technically, with the big retirement ceremony, there are 13 numbers out of circulation. But some argue that only the original two (Ace Bailey and Bill Barilko) were truly retired. The rest are considered "honoured."
So, the answer depends on who you ask. Do you want the official number? 13 (or 19, depending on how you count). Do you want the "true fan" answer? 2.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
Here's the important takeaway: Maple Leafs fans are passionate about their team, and that passion extends to retired jersey numbers. Whether it's 2, 13, or 19, these numbers represent some of the greatest players to ever wear the blue and white.
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Leafs Retired Number FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably)
How to know if a number is retired by the Maple Leafs?
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Unless you're a die-hard Leafs fan with an encyclopedic memory, it's easiest to consult a list online.
How to convince the Maple Leafs to retire MY number?
The bad news? You probably need to be a legendary player who led the team to multiple Stanley Cup victories. The good news? There's always fantasy hockey!
How to deal with someone who argues there are only 2 retired Maple Leafs numbers?
Politely explain the 2017 ceremony. If they persist, a good-natured debate about the true meaning of "retired" is probably in order.
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