The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the oldest and most iconic franchises in the NHL. The team, although it was not called the Maple Leafs at the time, began its journey in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas in the league’s inaugural season. In 1919-20, because it wanted to appeal to the large Toronto Irish population, the team it’s name to the St. Patricks. That name stuck for eight seasons.
Finally, in 1927, the team settled on its current name – the Maple Leafs. The name came as a tribute to Canadian soldiers who fought in the Maple Leaf Regiment during World War I. Throughout the Maple Leafs’ history of now more than a century, the team has become a central part of Canadian hockey culture. That said, there are Maple Leafs fans all over the world. The Maple Leafs logo is classic.
The Lows of Being a Maple Leafs’ Fan
Throughout its history, the Maple Leafs have experienced both highs and lows; and sometimes, these highs and lows have come together. Indeed, that seems to be the current state of this team. High during the regular season, but low during the postseason.
Related: 5 Biggest Trades in Toronto Maple Leafs History
It has been a sometimes frustrating ride for Maple Leafs’ fans. In this post, I want to take a bit of a deeper dive into what my own research suggests are the four worst teams in Maple Leafs’ franchise history.
The Dreadful 1984-85 Toronto Maple Leafs
The 1984-85 season stands as a nightmare for the Maple Leafs. It is generally regarded as the worst season in the team’s history. Under head coach Dan Maloney, the team struggled both offensively and defensively. In the end, the dismal record of 20-52-8 (totalling a mere 48 points in the regular season) tells the story clearly enough.
Although the great Borje Salming was still around, the team’s defence was its Achilles’ heal. The team allowed an NHL-high of 369 goals while only scoring 290 themselves – the fewest goals in the NHL that season. Their woeful play landed the team at the bottom of the NHL standings and out of the playoffs.
The key players during the 1984-85 season included Rick Vaive, the captain and leading goal scorer. He put up an impressive 35 goals. In fact, the team had three 30-goal scorers. John Anderson scored 32, and Bill Derlago added 31. Vaive also led in points with 68. Dan Daoust led the team in assists with 37. Bob McGill accumulated the most penalty minutes with 250.
Related: Was Lou Lamoriello as Good as Maple Leafs Fans Remember?
In goal, Tim…
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