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THIS SITE IS COUNTING THE TIME SINCE THE LEAFS WON THE CUP

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SINCE THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS WON THE CUP IN 1967 AGAINST THE MONTREAL CANADIENS UNDER HECTOR "TOE" BLAKE. TO SEE THE 1967 MEMBERS OF THE LEAF TEAM CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW.

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Days before picking first overall at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs took another step forward in their rebuilding effort, acquiring impending restricted free agent goaltender Frederik Andersen on Monday from the Anaheim Ducks.

In return, Toronto sent the No. 30 overall pick this year (acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of last summer's Phil Kessel trade), and a second-round selection in 2017 to the Ducks.

The Leafs immediately signed Andersen to a five-year contract. TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reported the new deal is worth an average of $5 million a season over the full term.

"Whenever you have the opportunity to acquire a goaltender who has had success in the playoffs, is at the prime age, and really has the reputation on and off the ice that he has, and the players love playing in front of him, I don't know how you cannot try and acquire a goaltender like this," Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello told TSN1050's OverDrive after the deal was announced.

Without going into the fine details of the trade and subsequent contract, Lamoriello did allow that, "we're just delighted we were able to combine the acquisition as well as the commitment that he's given to us and we've given to him."

Andersen, 26, was at the end of a two-year, $2.3-million contract with Anaheim and was rumoured to be in play this off-season after splitting starter duties for most of last season with John Gibson. He appeared in 43 games in 2015-16, putting together a 22-9-7 record with a .919 save percentage and 2.30 goals-against average. Gibson got the nod to start the team's first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators but after the Ducks fell behind 0-2, Andersen stepped in and went 3-2 with .947 save percentage and 1.41 goals-against average.

The Denmark native had a strong 2014-15 season, during which he set a record for fastest goaltender to 26 wins (26-5-0) and tied the league record for fastest to 50 career wins that had originally been set by Montreal's Bill Durnan in 1944. Andersen led Anaheim to the Western Conference final that year, where they fell to the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 7.

"This is a situation that just had to happen at this time," Ducks general manager Bob Murray told reporters on a conference call Monday. "There was no avoiding it."
This is the second time in the last five years Murray has traded for the Leafs' pick at No. 30. In 2011, Anaheim gave Toronto the No. 22 selection for No. 30 and No. 39. The Leafs took winger Tyler Biggs, who has never played a game in the NHL and was traded to the Penguins in last summer's Kessel deal. The Ducks selected Rickard Rakell at No. 30 and Gibson at No. 39, two players who have become important pieces in their success.

The Maple Leafs hope this time around the trade yields them better dividends, answering a major question about who their No.1 netminder would be going forward. The February trade that sent James Reimer to the San Jose Sharks left three goalies in Toronto's system, none of whom seem destined to fill the top spot.

Veteran Jonathan Bernier was their best option, currently with one year left on a two-year pact worth $4.15 million annually. But he struggled for much of last season, posting a 12-21-3 record last season, with .908 save percentage and 2.88 goals-against average. The addition of Andersen, with the impressive size (6-foot-4, 236 pounds) teams covet in the goalie position and a marked ability to maintain composure at a high level since being drafted by Anaheim in the third round in 2012, was a no-brainer.

"You need two goaltenders," Lamoriello said. "We have tremendous respect for Jonathan, but we have acquired a 6-foot-4 goaltender who has athleticism and right now, we're extremely comfortable with our goaltending. ...Without question, it was certainly a focus, but never at the expense of what the overall plan [for the team] is. But I think we all know how important it is to have, in our opinion, a No. 1 goaltender. We feel when you have that he can help the people grow in front of him, without question.

"Freddie, in my conversations, knows the situation he's coming into. [He] wants to win and certainly wants to be part of the process we have here."

Staying patient as the Leafs' young prospects develop and managing the desire from inside and outside the organization to be more competitive than they were last season is the balancing act Lamoriello is tasked with.

"I don't think any of our expectations will change [with Andersen's acquisition]," he said. "We're in a process and we've said all along if we had the opportunity to get better...that's what we're going to do. Don't want anyone to get excited. We just solidified a position that, in our opinion, we feel is extremely important.

"Remember, we did finish 30th last year. We have other needs."

With one of those major issues seemingly addressed, how the Leafs will approach this week's draft comes into more focus. They still pick at the top of the second round (No. 31 overall) and a left-handed defenceman could well come off the board for them there to begin addressing another need.

While the first-round pick price for Andersen may feel, it ultimately fits the Leafs long-term plans quite well. In his mid-20s, Andersen's best playing years aren't necessarily even here yet. So the rebuilding process can stay on track while the rest of the Leafs gain confidence from having better players around them.

"Each and every night [last season], our team was competitive," Lamoriello said. "But to get to the next step, and to set a foundation, you have to start somewhere. But you can't rush it. Today is just to keep that process going so we can stay on that path. When you have a chance to do something like this, you do it, and you don't look back."

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Leafs acquire G Andersen from Ducks for picks - Article - TSN

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The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goalie Frederik Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks on Monday in exchange for the 30th overall pick in the upcoming draft and a second-round pick in 2017. Andersen, who was set to become a restricted free agent, has agreed to a five-year, $25M deal with the Leafs.

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TORONTO -- Lou Lamoriello's burning desire to win led to a life-altering change Thursday.

Lamoriello, who turns 73 in October, resigned as president of the New Jersey Devils to become the 16th general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was hired by Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan and replaces Dave Nonis, who was fired after Toronto finished 27th in the NHL standings last season.

"The thing that has driven me all of my life is winning," Lamoriello said after being introduced at Air Canada Centre. "The commitment that the Toronto Maple Leafs have made when they brought Brendan in and brought (coach) Mike Babcock in, to me the only thing that can happen is having success. Winning doesn't happen because you say it; winning happens because of everything you do that leads to it."

Lamoriello, who signed a three-year contract (according to Sportsnet), admitted he really wasn't interested in the position when Shanahan first presented the opportunity to him, but the Maple Leafs president was persistent.

"I don't know how many of you know Brendan as well as I do, but when he was a 17-year-old player he was aggressive in trying to make the NHL," Lamoriello said of Shanahan, who he drafted with the second pick of the 1987 NHL Draft. "I can tell you if I wanted anybody recruited, I am sending Brendan."

The addition of Lamoriello continues Shanahan's rebuilding of an organization that has not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. Since last season ended, Shanahan has hired Babcock as coach (giving him an eight-year contract); assistant coaches Jim Miller, D.J. Smith and Andrew Brewer; goalie coach Steve Briere; scouts; and has instituted a sports science and performance program to optimize the performances of the players.

While introducing his new GM, Shanahan gave thanks to the board of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, "for allowing me to do the things that I have done this summer to bring the Toronto Maple Leafs what I consider the best available talent in order for us to get back to where we want to be as a hockey team."

Lamoriello joined the Devils in 1987, the year they drafted Shanahan. Previously, Lamoriello coached the men's hockey team at Providence College and then became the school's athletic director.

With the Devils, Lamoriello won the Stanley Cup three times (1995, 2000, 2003) and reached the Stanley Cup Final on two other occasions (2001, 2012). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009.

Following last season, when the Devils failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third straight season, Lamoriello stepped down as GM, with the job going to former Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero. Lamoriello intended to remain with the Devils as president.

In Toronto, he joins a staff that includes assistant GM Kyle Dubas and director of player personnel Mark Hunter. Shanahan has been preaching patience, and Lamoriello is on board.

"I understand it is not something that is going to happen overnight," Lamoriello said. "I am committed to that along with Brendan and along with Mark, along with Mike, along with Kyle ... each and every person in the front office."

Lamoriello's hiring is a golden opportunity for Dubas, a 29-year-old who will learn the ropes from an experienced man who is held in the highest regard in hockey circles.

"I think having Lou in the organization is an opportunity for him to mentor us all," Shanahan said. "I think there are a lot of GMs in the League now that would point to Lou as someone who helped them along in their careers. Since I have been here in Toronto, people have asked who has influenced me in my playing career and my career in management and Lou is someone who certainly had an influence on me."

Lamoriello said, "Kyle is a young fellow who has tremendous abilities. If he doesn't become a GM here -- I'm not going to be here for a lifetime -- it's going to be his fault."

Lamoriello made it known when it comes to hockey decisions, he is the one who will make the final call. However, he added there will be plenty of consultation with the rest of the management staff and Babcock.

A native of Providence, R.I., Lamoriello is known for running a no-nonsense organization. He does not expect that to change in Toronto, although he said he will be patient and get to know the employees before starting to put his stamp on the team.

"I have to take a step back and watch and listen and learn on the job, so to speak," Lamoriello said. "You never make changes for the sake of changing. You see what is working. The one thing that will not fundamentally change is the word 'accountability.' That's where it all starts. Everything else is an extension of that."

The Maple Leafs have to give the Devils a third-round draft pick as compensation for Lamoriello, according to Sportsnet. That pick will come in either the 2016, 2017 or 2018 NHL Draft.

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Lamoriello leaves Devils, becomes Maple Leafs GM

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TORONTO -- Lou Lamoriello's burning desire to win led to a life-altering change Thursday. Lamoriello, who turns 73 in October, resigned as president of the New Jersey Devils to become the 16th general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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The battle for third in the Atlantic Division and the second Wild Card spot in the East is going to come down to the final few games of season. The changes to the  Maple Leafs front office and an amazing crop of rookies has Leafs fans feeling more optimistic this Spring than ever. The young buds have steadily improved over the course of the season and have a legitimate shot at a playoff berth. The final stretch of the season will be a do or die scenario against the high octane teams of the Metropolitan Division.

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When Brendan Shanahan was traded to Detroit in the fall of 1996 the Red Wings were engulfed in a 42-year Stanley Cup drought. When Shanahan assumed the Maple Leafs presidency in the spring of 2014, Toronto's dry spell was at 47 years.

The Wings won their first Cup since 1955 in Shanahan's first season with the club and added three more by 2008. Shanahan is intent on following a similar blueprint with the Leafs, hoping to restore glory to a long-beleaguered Original Six franchise.

"I'd say with him it seems that he has a very clear path and plan that he wants to follow - in the way the team's run and the way we want to play and things like that," said Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk ahead of Sunday's Centennial Classic meeting between Toronto and Detroit.

"There's a very clear direction for all that stuff."

Detroit won championships with a combination of skill, shrewd drafting and patient development that was unparalleled in the NHL for almost two decades.

Shanahan has made those elements cornerstones of a Leafs team booming with high-end young talent, including Calder trophy candidates like 19-year-olds Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, and a prospect pool that's thought to be among the league's best.

It's quite the turnaround from three years ago when Toronto last met Detroit in an outdoor game. At that point the Leafs were a marginal playoff team without any real hope of Cup-contender status.

"Now, it's almost like we expect to win every night," defenceman Jake Gardiner said. "Back then it was 'Are we going to win? Who's going to win this game?' It was more of an unsure feeling."

Establishing a winning foundation

Arguably Shanahan's biggest coup as team president was luring long-time Wings head coach Mike Babcock to Toronto on a rich eight-year deal, later hiring Ari Vuori, formerly a scout with the Wings, as the Leafs director of European scouting.

It's the idea of what Detroit built that Shanahan is chasing, a team constructed around skill that can sustain itself for years with internally developed talent. The Wings famously replaced Hall of Famers like Shanahan and Steve Yzerman with future members like Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, a process that seems to be finally slowing in recent seasons with Detroit now in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1990.

Shanahan has tried to build a winning culture like the Wings of old, a process which started with the hiring of Babcock and general manager Lou Lamoriello in the summer of 2015.

"It's funny because people talk about the culture thing; it's a word that's thrown around a lot, but how do you ever accomplish that? And I think it's by little details that you have to focus on every single day to do that," van Riemsdyk said. "It's not just that you say you want a winning culture and it automatically appears. It takes time to kind of build that."

While Babcock built a structured program on the ice, Lamoriello immediately altered the way things were done off it. The Leafs general manager implemented rules governing how players dressed, cut their hair, and even spoke to the media. He sought to emphasize team and tradition rather than the merits of any one player.

"That's a big thing with him," Gardiner said of Lamoriello. "It's about the Maple Leafs and not just one guy."

He added: "People think it's not a big deal, but it's just little things like that that kind of just bring out the professionalism in most guys."

'Inspiration' from the past

Just as they do in Detroit, Shanahan has tried to better honour the Leafs' past, including a new logo honouring the Cup-winning teams from earlier eras. He thought it important that today's Leafs shared the same dressing room as the old-timers participating in Saturday's alumni game.

Babcock even had the group of former Leafs, which included Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour and Curtis Joseph, sit in on a team meeting.

Dressing room stalls made up for Mats Sundin, Johnny Bower and other team greats mirrors a tradition that has its roots in the Motor City. Legends like Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay were known to hang around the Wings in the days that Shanahan played and Babcock coached there.

"We saw it as inspiration and it was a reminder, again, that you're playing for something bigger than just yourself," Shanahan said.

Toronto's Cup drought will hit 50 years this spring, but the Leafs of today and tomorrow look a lot like the Wings of old. That's no accident.

"We're hoping to restore our franchise to its rightful place and we're working on that," Babcock said.

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Brendan Shanahan using Red Wings' template to shape Leafs | CBC Sports

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Brendan Shanahan was part of a Red Wings revival in Detroit as a player. Now, as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he's intent on following a similar blueprint in the hopes of restoring glory to another Original Six franchise.

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It's April and the Leafs are still in it!? The battle for third in the Atlantic Division and the second Wild Card spot in the East is going to come down to the final few games of season. The changes to the  Maple Leafs front office and an amazing crop of rookies has Leafs fans feeling more optimistic this Spring than ever. The young buds have steadily improved over the course of the season and have a legitimate shot at a playoff berth. The final stretch of the season will be a do or die scenario against the high octane teams of the Metropolitan Division.

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The trio of Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner combined to do something that has never been done before.

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Matthews selected First Overall

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Once the "Go Leafs, Go!" chants subsided after Toronto selected Arizona-born center Auston Matthews with the first pick in the NHL draft, the Finns began their march to the podium.

Three players from Finland were selected among the top five picks, the most by the northern European nation.

"They've got a good thing going on there," Canucks President Trevor Linden said after Vancouver rounded out the run of Finns by selecting defenseman Oli Juolevi with the fifth pick. The Winnipeg Jets selected forward Patrik Laine second, and Edmonton took forward Jesse Puljujarvi at No. 4.

The draft had an international flavor to it, starting with Matthews becoming the seventh American-born player to be selected No. 1, and first since the Chicago Blackhawks chose Patrick Kane with the top pick in 2007.

"My heart was beating. It was very nerve-wracking," Matthews said, noting the Maple Leafs had not tipped their hand on who they were going to select since winning the NHL draft lottery in April. "Once they called my name, it was definitely a sigh of relief and a lot of excitement."

Matthews, who grew up a Coyotes fan in Scottsdale, Arizona, was expected to be selected first.

NHL Central Scouting ranked the 6-foot-2, 210-pound play-maker as its top draft-eligible project, and he's also a natural center, a top-line position that's difficult to fill. Matthews already has pro experience after spending last season with Zurich in the Swiss Elite League.

For Toronto, Matthews represents a significant piece in general manager Lou Lamoriello's extensive rebuilding plans to restore relevance to one of the league's most high-profile franchises. The Maple Leafs have missed the playoffs in 10 of the past 11 years, and spent last season purging high-priced contracts and veteran talent with a focus on rebuilding through youth.

"He's an elite player with an elite drive train," Toronto coach Mike Babcock said. "He's going to make us better, and he'll develop into a top, top center in the National Hockey League."

During a week in which the NHL expanded into Las Vegas, the draft reflected the changing international nature of the sport.

Starting with Columbus selecting Pierre-Luc Dubois at No. 3, only three Canadian-born players were taken among the top 10 picks. That matches last year's total, which was the fewest for Canada in the draft.

Finland's presence a reflected how the nation has begun to dominate on the world stage.

Finland won the 2015 world championship and the 2016 world junior championships, and lost to Canada in the world championship final last month.

"It's a huge thing for our country, ourselves and the players," Laine said. "I think it shows to everybody that we have good juniors, and we can be good at those tournaments and we can get drafted high."

Laine, regarded as a pure goal-scorer, has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman, Teemu Selanne, who began his career in Winnipeg in 1992.

The Calgary Flames addressed several needs by selecting forward Matt Tkachuk - the son of former NHL star Keith Tkachuk - with the No. 6 pick, and acquired goalie Brian Elliott in a trade with St. Louis. The Flames have had difficulty filling the goalie spot after Jonas Hiller, Karri Ramo, Joni Ortio and Niklas Backstrom split the duties last season

The Detroit Red Wings gained relief under the salary cap by trading the contract of veteran star Pavel Datsyuk, who is leaving Detroit to play in Russia next season. Detroit freed up $7.5 million in cap space by dealing Datsyuk to Arizona. The teams swapped first-round picks, with the Coyotes moving up four spots to No. 16, where they selected defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

The Coyotes also had the seventh pick, with which they drafted center Clayton Keller.

Montreal completed two trades. The Canadiens dealt forward Lars Eller to Washington for the Capitals' second-round draft picks in 2017 and '18. The Canadiens then acquired forward Andrew Shaw from the Blackhawks for two second-round picks. Montreal sent the 39th and 45th picks to cap-strapped Chicago for the pending restricted free agent.

The loudest cheers were reserved for the Sabres, and began when owner Terry Pegula took the stage to welcome everyone to Buffalo.

Another roar went up when Buffalo used the eighth pick to select forward Alexander Nylander. His father, Michael was a 15-year NHL veteran, and his brother William plays for the Maple Leafs.

Before the draft began, Bettman announced that the league's annual pre-draft rookie combine will return to Buffalo for a third consecutive year.

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Arizona-born Auston Matthews taken first overall in NHL Draft

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Once the "Go Leafs, Go!" chants subsided after Toronto selected Arizona-born center Auston Matthews with the first pick in the NHL draft, the Finns began their march to the podium. Three players from Finland were selected among the top five picks, the most by the northern European nation.