Editing Toronto Maple Leafs (section)

== History ==
{{Main|History of the Toronto Maple Leafs}}
{{Evolution of the Toronto Maple Leafs}}

=== Early years (1917–1927) ===
The National Hockey League (NHL) was formed in 1917 in [[Montreal]] by teams formerly belonging to the [[National Hockey Association]] (NHA) that had a dispute with [[Eddie Livingstone]], owner of the [[Toronto Blueshirts]]. The owners of the other four clubs—the [[Montreal Canadiens]], [[Montreal Wanderers]], [[Quebec Bulldogs]] and the [[Ottawa Senators (original)|Ottawa Senators]]—wanted to replace Livingstone, but discovered that the NHA constitution did not allow them to simply vote him out of the league.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=7}} Instead, they opted to create a new league, the NHL, and did not invite Livingstone to join them. They also remained voting members of the NHA, and thus had enough votes to suspend the other league's operations, effectively leaving Livingstone's league with one team.{{sfn|Holzman|Nieforth|2002|p=151}}

The NHL had decided that it would operate a four-team circuit, made up of the Canadiens, [[Montreal Maroons]], Ottawa, and one more club in either Quebec City or Toronto. Toronto's inclusion in the NHL's inaugural season was formally announced on November 26, 1917, with concerns over the Bulldogs' financial stability surfacing.{{sfn|Holzman|Nieforth|2002|p=159}} The League granted temporary franchise rights to the Arena Company, owners of the [[Arena Gardens]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Champions: The Illustrated History of Hockey's Greatest Dynasties|last=Hunter|first=Douglas|year=1997|publisher=Triumph Books|location=Chicago|isbn=1-57243-213-6 |pages=18–19}}</ref> The NHL granted the Arena responsibility of the Toronto franchise for only the inaugural season, with specific instructions to resolve the dispute with Livingstone or transfer ownership of the Toronto franchise back to the League at the end of the season.{{sfn|Holzman|Nieforth|2002|p=193}}

[[File:Toronto Arenas.jpg|thumb|Team photo of the Arenas from the [[1917–18 NHL season|1917–18 season]]. The club won its first Stanley Cup in their inaugural season.]]
The franchise did not have an official name but was informally called "the Blueshirts" or "the Torontos" by the fans and press.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Toronto Blue Shirts a.k.a. The Torontos, the NHL's First Stanley Cup Champions 1917–1918|last1=Morrison|first1=John |last2=McLatchy|first2=Doug|publisher=Hockey Information Service|year=1996|isbn=1-894014-00-6}}</ref> Although the inaugural roster was made up of players leased from the NHA's Toronto Blueshirts, including [[Harry Cameron]] and [[Reg Noble]], the Maple Leafs do not claim the Blueshirts' history as their own.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvo.org/article/current-affairs/shared-values/how-one-cantankerous-man-inspired-the-creation-of-the-nhl|title=How one cantankerous man inspired the creation of the NHL|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=February 1, 2018|work=TVO|publisher=The Ontario Educational Communications Authority|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203005651/https://tvo.org/article/current-affairs/shared-values/how-one-cantankerous-man-inspired-the-creation-of-the-nhl|archive-date=February 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> During the inaugural season, the club performed the first trade in NHL history, sending [[Sammy Hebert]] to the Senators, in return for cash.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=13–14}} Under manager [[Charlie Querrie]], and head coach [[Dick Carroll]], the team won the [[Stanley Cup]] in the inaugural [[1917–18 NHL season|1917–18 season]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=10}}

For the [[1918–19 NHL season|next season]], rather than return the Blueshirts' players to Livingstone as originally promised, on October 19, 1918, the Arena Company formed the Toronto Arena Hockey Club, which was readily granted full membership in the NHL.{{sfn|Holzman|Nieforth|2002|p=197}} The Arena Company also decided that year that only NHL teams were allowed to play at the Arena Gardens—a move that effectively killed the NHA.{{sfn|Holzman|Nieforth|2002|p=199}} Livingstone sued to get his players back. Mounting legal bills from the dispute forced the Arenas to sell some of their stars, resulting in a horrendous five-win season in 1918–19. With the company facing increasing financial difficulties, and the Arenas officially eliminated from the playoffs, the NHL agreed to let the team forfeit their last two games.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=13–14}}<ref name=ml1920>{{cite web|title=History – 1920s|url=http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42182|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=May 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329074836/http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42182|archive-date=March 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Operations halted on February 20, 1919, with the NHL ending its season and starting the playoffs. The Arenas' .278 winning percentage that season remains the worst in franchise history. However, the [[1919 Stanley Cup Finals]] ended without a winner due to the worldwide [[Spanish flu|flu epidemic]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=13–14}}

[[File:1922 Stanley Cup.png|thumb|alt=A collection of photographic head-shots of the Toronto St. Patricks team for the 1921–22 season|Team photo of the club during the [[1921–22 NHL season|1921–22 season]]. Then known as the [[Toronto St. Patricks|St. Patricks]], the club won its second Stanley Cup in 1922.]]
The legal dispute forced the Arena Company into bankruptcy, and it was forced to sell the team. On December 9, 1919, Querrie brokered the team's purchase by the owners of the St. Patricks Hockey Club (Percy and Fred Hambly),{{sfn|Ross|2015|p=115}} allowing him to maintain an ownership stake in the team.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=15}} The new owners renamed the team the Toronto St. Patricks (or St. Pats for short), which they used until 1927.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=15–16}} Changing the colours of the team from blue to green, the club won their second Stanley Cup championship in [[1921–22 NHL season|1922]].<ref name=ml1920 /> [[Babe Dye]] scored four times in the 5–1 Stanley Cup-clinching victory against the [[Vancouver Millionaires]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=20}}

In 1924, the team's ownership changed again, as movie theatre impresario Nathan Nathanson and mining magnate [[Jack Bickell]] purchased the shares of the Hamblys.{{sfn|Ross|2015|p=115}} Bickell invested {{CAD|25,000}} in the St. Pats as a favour to his friend Querrie, who needed to financially reorganize his hockey team.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=b197801&type=Builder&page=bio&list=ByName |title=Builders – J. P. Bickell – Biography |publisher=[[Hockey Hall of Fame]] |access-date=August 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819231611/http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=b197801&type=Builder&page=bio&list=ByName|archive-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Conn Smythe era (1927–1961) ===
After several financially difficult seasons, the St. Patricks' ownership group (Querrie and Nathan Nathanson){{sfn|Ross|2015|pp=161-162}} seriously considered selling the team to [[C. C. Pyle]] for {{CAD|200,000|year=1927}}. Pyle sought to move the team to Philadelphia.<ref name=ml1920 />{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=30–31}} However, [[Toronto Varsity Blues men's ice hockey|Toronto Varsity Blues]] coach [[Conn Smythe]] put together a group of his own and made a $160,000 {{CAD|160000|year=1927}}) offer. With the support of minority shareholder Bickell, Smythe persuaded Querrie and Nathanson to accept their bid, arguing that civic pride was more important than money.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=30–31}} Bickell would become team president.{{sfn|Ross|2015|p=162}}

Smythe took control on February 14, 1927; installing himself as governor and general manager. He immediately renamed the team the Maple Leafs, after the [[maple leaf|national symbol]] of Canada,{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=33}} but the team was forced to play out the remainder of the [[1926–27 NHL season|1926–27 season]] as St. Patricks. He attributed his choice of a maple leaf for the logo to his experiences as a Canadian Army officer and prisoner of war during [[World War I]]. Viewing the maple leaf as a "badge of courage", and a reminder of home, Smythe decided to give the same name to his hockey team, in honour of the many Canadian soldiers who wore it.<ref name=ml1920 /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Proteau|first1=Adam|title=Deep Ties Between the Maple Leafs and Canadian Armed Forces|url=https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/deep-ties-between-the-maple-leafs-and-canadian-armed-forces/c-869660|date=February 19, 2016|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=April 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716151100/https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/deep-ties-between-the-maple-leafs-and-canadian-armed-forces/c-869660|archive-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first1=Thomas Stafford|last1=Smythe|first2=Kevin|last2=Shea|title=Centre Ice: The Smythe Family, the Gardens and the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club|publisher=Fenn Publishing|year=2000|isbn=1-55168-250-8|page=36}}</ref> However, the team was not the first to use the name. A [[Toronto Maple Leafs (International League)|Toronto minor-league baseball team]] had used the name "Toronto Maple Leafs" since 1895.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/the-original-maple-leafs-pro-baseball-in-toronto-before-the-blue-jays-1.3803678|title=The original Maple Leafs: Pro-baseball in Toronto before the Blue Jays|last=Brockbank|first=Nicole|date=October 14, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2018|work=CBCNews.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203115322/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/the-original-maple-leafs-pro-baseball-in-toronto-before-the-blue-jays-1.3803678|archive-date=December 3, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Smythe would not acquire controlling interest in the team until 1947, he would be the franchise's dominant voice for the next four decades.<ref name=Smythecontrol1>{{cite news |title=Baseball's bankroll gone |last=Dunnell|first=Milt|author-link=Milt Dunnell|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=July 5, 1965}}</ref><ref name=Smythecontrol2>{{cite book |last=Hunter |first=Douglas |year=1997 |title=Champions: The Illustrated History of Hockey's Greatest Dynasties. |location=Chicago, Illinois |publisher=Triumph Books |isbn=1-57243-213-6 |page=50}}</ref><ref name=Smythecontrol3>{{cite news|title=Smythe is elected Gardens' president|date=November 20, 1947|newspaper=[[Toronto Daily Star]]}}</ref>

Initial reports were that the team's colours were to be red and white,<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=67WHDQAAQBAJ&dq=Good-bye+St.+Pats%2C+howdy+Maple+Leafs+%22February+15%2C+1927%22&pg=PT57 | title=The Toronto Maple Leafs: The Complete Oral History | isbn=978-1-4597-3621-4 | last1=Zweig | first1=Eric | date=October 28, 2017 | publisher=Dundurn}}</ref> but the Leafs wore white sweaters with a green maple leaf for their first game on February 17, 1927.<ref>"Toronto crumbles New York chances", ''The Globe'', February 18, 1927, p. 8.</ref> On September 27, 1927, it was announced that the Leafs had changed their colour scheme to blue and white.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=35}} Although Smythe later stated he chose blue because it represents the Canadian skies and white to represent snow, these colours were also used on the trucks for his gravel and sand business.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=35}} The colour blue was also a colour historically associated with the City of Toronto. The use of blue by top-level Toronto-based sports clubs began with the [[Argonaut Rowing Club]] in the 19th century, later adopted by their football team, the [[Toronto Argonauts]], in 1873.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2008/11/12/the_colour_of_toronto.html|title=The colour of Toronto|work=Toronto Star|publisher=Torstar Corporation|access-date=January 29, 2018|date=November 12, 2008|last=Baute|first=Nicole|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129195111/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2008/11/12/the_colour_of_toronto.html|archive-date=January 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Opening of Maple Leaf Gardens (1930s) ====
[[File:Maple Leaf Gardens Postcard 1931 (cropped) (cropped).jpg|thumb|alt=Far view of an ice hockey rink, with ice hockey players and a band standing at its centre. Spectators seated around the rink watch.|Opening ceremony for the first game at [[Maple Leaf Gardens]] on November 11, 1931]]
By 1930, Smythe saw the need to construct a new arena, viewing the Arena Gardens as a facility lacking modern amenities and seating.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=45}} Finding an adequate number of financiers, he purchased land from the [[Eaton family]], and construction of the arena was completed in five months.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=47–48}}<ref name=LEA30>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42183|title=Toronto Maple Leafs History – 1930s|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|access-date=June 21, 2017}}</ref>

The Maple Leafs debuted at their new arena, [[Maple Leaf Gardens]], with a 2–1 loss to the [[Chicago Black Hawks]] on November 12, 1931.<ref name=LEA30 /> The opening ceremonies for Maple Leaf Gardens included a performance from the [[48th Highlanders of Canada]] Pipe and Drums.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.48highlanders.com/04_01.html|title=48th Highlanders of Canada Pipe and Drums|year=2018|access-date=August 21, 2018|publisher=Canadian Armed Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822134550/http://www.48highlanders.com/04_01.html|archive-date=August 22, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The military band has continued to perform in every subsequent season home opening game, as well as other ceremonies conducted by the hockey club.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://torontosun.com/2016/10/14/highlanders-ready-for-maple-leafs-home-opener/wcm/f3a42af7-dd12-4db8-be5b-bf36ad52ca4b|title=Highlanders ready for Maple Leafs' home opener|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=October 16, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2018|last=Hornby|first=Lance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821224608/https://torontosun.com/2016/10/14/highlanders-ready-for-maple-leafs-home-opener/wcm/f3a42af7-dd12-4db8-be5b-bf36ad52ca4b|archive-date=August 21, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/3941653/johnny-bower-memorial-service/|title=Memorial service held in Toronto for hockey legend Johnny Bower|work=Global News|publisher=Corus Entertainment|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615114209/https://globalnews.ca/news/3941653/johnny-bower-memorial-service/|archive-date=June 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The debut also featured [[Foster Hewitt]] in his newly constructed [[press box]] above the ice surface, where he began his famous ''[[Hockey Night in Canada]]'' radio broadcasts that eventually came to be a Saturday-night tradition.<ref name="LEA30" /> The press box was often called "the gondola", a name that emerged during the Gardens' inaugural season when a [[General Motors Canada|General Motors]] advertising executive remarked how it resembled the gondola of an [[airship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/the-press-gondola-at-maple-leaf-gardens|title=The press gondola at Maple Leaf Gardens|work=CBC Digital Archives|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|year=2018|access-date=February 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124171748/http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/the-press-gondola-at-maple-leaf-gardens|archive-date=January 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:NHL Kid Line 1930s.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Three players from the Toronto Maple Leafs' "Kid Line" standing next to each other outside in team apparel.|[[The Kid Line]] consisted of [[Charlie Conacher]], [[Joe Primeau]], and [[Busher Jackson]] (left to right). They led the Leafs to win the 1932 Stanley Cup, as well as four more Stanley Cup finals appearances over the next six years.]]
By the [[1931–32 NHL season]], the Maple Leafs were led by the "Kid Line" consisting of [[Busher Jackson]], [[Joe Primeau]] and [[Charlie Conacher]] and coached by [[Dick Irvin]]. The team captured their third Stanley Cup that season, vanquishing the Chicago Black Hawks in the first round, the [[Montreal Maroons]] in the semifinals, and the [[New York Rangers]] in the finals.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=52–53}} Smythe took particular pleasure in defeating the Rangers that year. He had been tapped as the Rangers' first [[general manager]] and coach for their inaugural season ([[1926–27 NHL season|1926–27]]) but had been fired in a dispute with [[Madison Square Garden (1925)|Madison Square Garden]] management before the season had begun.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Lives of Conn Smythe: From the Battlefield to Maple Leaf Gardens: A Hockey Icon's Story|publisher=McClelland & Stewart|year=2012|first=Kelly|last=McParland|isbn=978-0-7710-5684-0|page=138}}</ref>

Maple Leafs star forward [[Ace Bailey]] was nearly killed in [[1933–34 NHL season|1933]] when [[Boston Bruins]] [[defenceman]] [[Eddie Shore]] checked him from behind at full speed into the boards.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=60}} Leafs defenceman [[Red Horner]] knocked Shore out with a punch, but Bailey, writhing on the ice, had his career ended.<ref name=LEA30 /> The Leafs held the [[Ace Bailey Benefit Game]], the NHL's first [[NHL All-Star Game|All-Star Game]], to collect medical funds to help Bailey. His jersey was retired later the same night.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=63}} The Leafs reached the finals five times in the next seven years but bowed out to the now-disbanded Maroons in 1935, the [[Detroit Red Wings]] in 1936, Chicago in 1938, Boston in 1939 and the Rangers in 1940.<ref name=LEA30 /> After the end of the [[1939–40 NHL season|1939–40 season]], Smythe allowed Irvin to leave the team as head coach, replacing him with former Leafs [[Captain (ice hockey)|captain]] [[Hap Day]].<ref name=LEA30 />

==== The first dynasty (1940s) ====
[[File:Leafs v Red Wings 1942.jpg|thumb|alt=Red Wings and Maple Leaf game during the 1942 Stanley Cup Finals, with Maple Leafs players celebrating moments after scoring a goal.|The Maple Leafs score against Detroit during the [[1942 Stanley Cup Finals|1942 Cup Finals]]. The Leafs went on to win the series, performing the only [[List of teams that have overcome 3–0 series deficits|reverse-sweep]] in the Finals.]]
In the [[1942 Stanley Cup Finals]], the Maple Leafs were down three games to none in the best-of-seven series against Detroit. Fourth-line forward [[Don Metz (ice hockey)|Don Metz]] then galvanized the team, to score a [[hat-trick]] in game four and the game-winner in game five.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=83–84}} Goalie [[Turk Broda]] shut out the Wings in game six, and [[Sweeney Schriner]] scored two goals in the third period to win the [[seventh game]] 3–1, completing the [[Game seven#comeback|reverse-sweep]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=84}} The Leafs remain [[List of teams that have overcome 3–0 series deficits|the only team to have successfully performed a reverse-sweep]] in the Stanley Cup finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/16685483/hall-flameout-25-worst-collapses-sports-history|title=Hall of Flameout: The 25 worst collapses in sports history|work=ESPN|access-date=June 22, 2017|date=June 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716151100/http://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/16685483/hall-flameout-25-worst-collapses-sports-history|archive-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> Captain [[Syl Apps]] won the [[Lady Byng Memorial Trophy]] that season, not taking one penalty, and finished his 10-season career with an average of 5 minutes, 36 seconds in penalties a season.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=81}}

Smythe, who reenlisted in the Canadian Army at the outbreak of [[World War II]], was given leave from military duty to view the final game of the 1942 finals. He arrived at the game in full military regalia.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=84}} Earlier, at the outbreak of war, Smythe arranged for many of his Maple Leafs players and staff to take army training with the [[Toronto Scottish Regiment]]. Most notably, the Leafs announced a large portion of their roster had enlisted, including Apps, and Broda,{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=80}} who did not play on the team for several seasons due to their obligations with the [[Canadian Forces]].<ref name=MLH40>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42185|title=Toronto Maple Leafs History – 1940s|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|access-date=June 22, 2017}}</ref> During this period, the Leafs turned to lesser-known players such as [[rookie]] goaltender [[Frank McCool]] and defenceman [[Babe Pratt]].<ref name=MLH40 />{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=86–87}}

The Maple Leafs beat the Red Wings in the [[1945 Stanley Cup Finals|1945 Finals]]. They won the first three games, with goaltender McCool recording consecutive shutouts. However, in a reversal of the 1942 finals, the Red Wings won the next three games.<ref name=MLH40 /> The Leafs were able to win the series, winning the seventh game by the score of 2–1 to prevent a complete reversal of the series played three years ago.<ref name=MLH40 />

[[File:Toronto Maple Leafs Players 1946.jpg|thumb|alt=Ice hockey players in a locker room. Two are sitting on a locker room bench, with another two players standing behind them.|Maple Leafs players during the [[1946–47 NHL season|1946–47 season]]. The team would win its sixth Stanley Cup that season.]]
After the end of the war, players who had enlisted were beginning to return to their teams.<ref name=MLH40 /> With Apps and Broda regaining their form, the Maple Leafs beat the first-place Canadiens in the [[1947 Stanley Cup Finals|1947 finals]].<ref name=MLH40 /> To bolster their centre depth, the Leafs acquired [[Cy Thomas]] and [[Max Bentley]] in the following off-season. With these key additions, the Leafs were able to win a second consecutive Stanley Cup, sweeping the Red Wings in the [[1948 Stanley Cup Finals|1948 finals]].<ref name=MLH40 /> With their victory in 1948, the Leafs moved ahead of Montreal as the team having won the most Stanley Cups in League history. Apps announced his retirement following the 1948 finals, with [[Ted Kennedy (ice hockey)|Ted Kennedy]] replacing him as the team's captain.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=107}} Under a new captaincy, the Leafs managed to make it to the [[1949 Stanley Cup Finals|1949 finals]], facing the Red Wings, who had finished the season with the best overall record. However, the Leafs went on to win their third consecutive Cup, sweeping the Red Wings in four games. This brought the total of Detroit's playoff game losses against the Leafs to eleven.<ref name=MLH40 /> The Red Wings were able to end this losing streak in the following postseason, eliminating Toronto in the 1950 NHL playoffs.<ref name=MLH40 />

==== The Barilko Curse (1950s) ====
The Maple Leafs and Canadiens met again in the [[1951 Stanley Cup Finals|1951 finals]], with five consecutive [[overtime (ice hockey)|overtime]] games played in the series.<ref name=MLH50>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42184|title=Toronto Maple Leafs History – 1950s|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|access-date=June 22, 2017}}</ref> Defenceman [[Bill Barilko]] managed to score the series-winning goal in overtime, leaving his defensive position (despite coach [[Joe Primeau]]'s instructions otherwise) to pick up an errant pass and score.<ref name=MLH50 /> Barilko helped the club secure its fourth Stanley Cup in five years. His glory was short-lived, as he disappeared in a plane crash near [[Timmins]], Ontario, four months later.<ref name=MLH50 />{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=123}} The crash site was not found until a helicopter pilot discovered the plane's wreckage plane about {{convert|80|km|mi}} north of [[Cochrane, Ontario]] 11 years later.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2011/10/20/barilkos-plane-finally-arrives-home|title=Barilko's plane finally arrives home|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=October 20, 2011|access-date=June 22, 2017|last=Pagan|first=Ken|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803212437/http://www.torontosun.com/2011/10/20/barilkos-plane-finally-arrives-home|archive-date=August 3, 2017}}</ref> The Leafs did not win another Cup during the 1950s, with rumours swirling that the team was "[[Sports-related curses|cursed]]", and would not win a cup until Barilko's body was found.<ref name=curse>{{cite book|title=The Sound of One Team Sucking: Mindful Meditations for Recovering Leafs Fans|page=106|first=Christopher|last=Gudgeon|publisher=Dundurn|year=2017|isbn=978-1-4597-3836-2}}</ref> The "curse" came to an end after the Leafs' 1962 Stanley Cup victory, which came six weeks before the discovery of the wreckage of Barilko's plane.<ref name=curse />

Their 1951 victory was followed by lacklustre performances in the following seasons. The team finished third in the [[1951–52 NHL season|1951–52 season]] and was eventually swept by the Red Wings in the semifinals.<ref name=MLH50 /> With the conclusion of the [[1952–53 NHL season|1952–53 regular season]], the Leafs failed to make it to the postseason for the first time since the 1945–46 playoffs.<ref name=MLH50 /> The Leafs' poor performance may be attributed partly to a decline in their sponsored junior system (including the [[Toronto St. Michael's Majors]] and the [[Toronto Marlboros]]).<ref name=MLH50 /> The junior system was managed by [[Frank J. Selke]] until his departure to the Canadiens in 1946. In his absence, the quality of players it produced declined. Many who were called up to the Leafs in the early 1950s were found to be seriously lacking in ability. It was only later in the decade that the Leafs' feeder clubs produced prospects that helped them become competitive again.<ref name=MLH50 />

After a two-year drought from the playoffs, the Maple Leafs clinched a berth after the [[1958–59 NHL season|1958–59 season]]. Under [[Punch Imlach]], their new general manager and coach, the Leafs made it to the [[1959 Stanley Cup Finals|1959 Finals]], losing to the Canadiens in five games.<ref name=MLH50 /> Building on a successful playoff run, the Leafs followed up with a second-place finish in the [[1959–60 NHL season|1959–60]] regular season. Although they advanced to their second straight Cup Finals, the Leafs were again defeated by the Canadiens in four games.<ref name=MLH50 />

=== New owners and a new dynasty (1961–1971) ===
[[File:Johnny Bower in goal.jpg|thumb|alt=Johnny Bower protects the side of the post as a goaltender for the Maple Leafs.|[[Johnny Bower]] was the Maple Leafs' goaltender from 1958 to 1969. He helped the team win four Cups.]]
Beginning in the 1960s, the Leafs became a stronger team, with [[Johnny Bower]] as the goaltender, and [[Bob Baun]], [[Carl Brewer (ice hockey)|Carl Brewer]], [[Tim Horton]] and [[Allan Stanley]] serving as the Maple Leafs' defencemen.<ref name=MLH60>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42186|title=Toronto Maple Leafs History – 1960s|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|year=2017|access-date=June 25, 2017}}</ref> To bolster their forward group during the 1960 off-season, Imlach traded [[Marc Reaume]] to the Red Wings for [[Red Kelly]]. Originally a defenceman, Kelly was asked to make the transition to the role of [[Centre (ice hockey)|centre]], where he remained for the rest of his career.<ref name=MLH60 /> Kelly helped reinforce a forward group made up of [[Frank Mahovlich]], and team captain [[George Armstrong (ice hockey)|George Armstrong]]. The beginning of the [[1960–61 NHL season|1960–61 season]] also saw the debut of rookies [[Bob Nevin]], and [[Dave Keon]]. Keon previously played for the St. Michael's Majors (the Maple Leafs junior affiliate), but had impressed Imlach during the Leafs' training camp, and joined the team for the season.<ref name=MLH60 /> Despite these new additions, the Leafs' 1961 playoff run ended in the semifinals against the Red Wings, with Armstrong, Bower, Kelly and others, suffering from injuries.<ref name=MLH60 />

In November 1961, Smythe sold nearly all of his shares in the club's parent company, Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL), to a partnership composed of his son [[Stafford Smythe]], and his partners, newspaper baron [[John W. H. Bassett]] and [[Toronto Marlboros]] president [[Harold Ballard]]. The sale price was $2.3 million ({{Inflation|CA|2300000|1961|fmt=eq|r=-3}}), a handsome return on Smythe's original investment 34 years earlier.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=142}} Initially, Conn Smythe claimed that he knew nothing about his son's partners and was furious with the arrangement (though it is highly unlikely he could have believed Stafford could have financed the purchase on his own). However, he did not stop the deal because of it.{{sfn|Smythe|Young|1981|p=217–218}} Conn Smythe was given a retiring salary of $15,000 per year for life, an office, a secretary, a car with a driver, and seats to home games.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=158}} Smythe sold his remaining shares in the company, and resigned from the board of directors in March 1966, after a [[Muhammad Ali]] boxing match was scheduled for the Gardens. Smythe found Ali's refusal to serve in the [[United States Army]] offensive, noting that the Gardens was "no place for those who want to evade conscription in their own country".{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=183}} He had also said that because the Gardens' owners agreed to host the fight they had "put cash ahead of class".<ref>{{cite news |title='Cash rated over class' Conn quits |author=McKee, Ken |work=Toronto Star |date=March 8, 1966}}</ref>

[[File:George Armstrong action photo.jpg|thumb|left|alt=George Armstrong in uniform for the Toronto Maple Leafs.|Captaining the team from 1958 to 1969, [[George Armstrong (ice hockey)|George Armstrong]] led the team to four Stanley Cups. Armstrong is the all-time leader in games played with the Maple Leafs.]]
Under the new ownership, Toronto won another three straight Stanley Cups. The team won the [[1962 Stanley Cup Finals]] beating the defending champion Chicago Black Hawks on a goal from [[Dick Duff]] in game 6.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=161–162}} During the [[1962–63 NHL season|1962–63 season]], the Leafs finished first in the league for the first time since the [[1947–48 NHL season|1947–48 season]]. In the following playoffs, the team won their second Stanley Cup of the decade.<ref name=MLH60 /> The [[1963–64 NHL season|1963–64 season]] saw certain members of the team traded. With Imlach seeking to reinvigorate the slumping Leafs, he made a mid-season trade that sent Duff, and Nevin to the Rangers for [[Andy Bathgate]] and [[Don McKenney]]. The Leafs managed to make the postseason as well as the Cup finals. In game six of the 1964 Cup finals, Baun suffered a fractured ankle and required a stretcher to be taken off the ice. He returned to play with his ankle frozen, and eventually scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the Red Wings.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=173}}<ref name=MLH60 /> The Leafs won their third consecutive Stanley Cup in a 4–0 game 7 victory; Bathgate scored two goals.<ref name=MLH60 />

The two seasons after the Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup victories, the team saw several player departures, including Bathgate, and Brewer, as well as several new additions, including [[Marcel Pronovost]], and [[Terry Sawchuk]].<ref name=MLH60 /> During the [[1966–67 NHL season|1966–67 season]], the team had lost 10 games in a row, sending Imlach to the hospital with a stress-related illness. However, from the time [[King Clancy]] took over as the head coach, to Imlach's return, the club was on a 10-game undefeated streak, building momentum before the playoffs.<ref name=MLH60 /> The Leafs made their last Cup finals in [[1967 Stanley Cup Finals|1967]]. Playing against Montreal, the heavy favourite for the year, the Leafs managed to win, with [[Bob Pulford]] scoring the double-overtime winner in game three; [[Jim Pappin]] scored the series winner in game 6.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=194}} Keon was named the playoff's [[most valuable player]] and was awarded the [[Conn Smythe Trophy]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=195}}

From 1968 to 1970, the Maple Leafs made it to the playoffs only once. They lost several players to the [[1967 NHL expansion draft]], and the team was racked with dissension because of Imlach's authoritative manner, and his attempts to prevent the players from joining the newly formed [[National Hockey League Players' Association|Players' Association]].<ref name=MLH60 /> Imlach's management of the team was also brought into question due to some of his decisions. It was apparent that he was too loyal to aging players who had been with him since 1958.<ref name=MLH60 /> In the [[1967–68 NHL season|1967–68 season]], Mahovlich was traded to Detroit in a deal that saw the Leafs acquire [[Paul Henderson]] and [[Norm Ullman]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=200}} The Leafs managed to return to the playoffs after the [[1968–69 NHL season|1968–69 season]], only to be swept by the Bruins. Immediately after, Stafford Smythe confronted Imlach and fired him.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=205}} This act was not without controversy, with some older players, including Horton, declaring that, "if this team doesn't want Imlach, I guess it doesn't want me".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S9ayrsIVAxEC&q=If+this+team+doesn%27t+want+Imlach%2C+I+guess+it+doesn%27t+want+me&pg=PT48|title=The Story of the Toronto Maple Leafs|last=McAuliffe|first=Bill|date=July 1, 2008|publisher=The Creative Company|isbn=978-1-58341-621-1}}</ref>

The Maple Leafs completed the [[1969–70 NHL season|1969–70 season]] out of the playoffs. With their low finish, the Leafs were able to draft [[Darryl Sittler]] at the [[1970 NHL amateur draft]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=208}} The Leafs returned to the playoffs after the [[1970–71 NHL season|1970–71 season]] with the addition of Sittler, as well as [[Bernie Parent]] and [[Jacques Plante]], who were both acquired through trades during the season.<ref name=MLH70>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42187|title=Maple Leafs History – 1970s|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427013623/http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42187|archive-date=April 27, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> They were eliminated in the first round against the Rangers.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Toronto Maple Leafs Ultimate Book of Facts, Stats, and Stories|publisher=McClelland & Stewart|year=2015|last=Podnieks|first=Andrew|isbn=978-0-7710-7222-2|page=90}}</ref>

=== The Ballard years (1971–1990) ===
[[File:Punch Imlach Maple Leafs Chex card.jpg|thumb|alt=A Chex Card with a portrait photo of Punch Imlach on its front.|[[Punch Imlach]] won four Cups as the Leafs' coach in the 1960s. However, his second stint as general manager in the 1979–80 season was controversial, as he traded [[Lanny McDonald]], and engaged in a public dispute with team captain Darryl Sittler.]]
A series of events in 1971 made Harold Ballard the primary owner of the Maple Leafs. After a series of disputes between Bassett, Ballard and Stafford Smythe, Bassett sold his stake in the company to them.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=212}} Shortly afterwards, Smythe died in October 1971. Under the terms of Stafford's will, of which Ballard was an [[executor]], each partner was allowed to buy the other's shares upon their death.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=212}} Stafford's brother and son tried to keep the shares in the family,<ref>{{cite news|title=MLG control at stake: Smythe bid for Ballard stock rejected|first=Dick|last=Beddoes|author-link=Dick Beddoes|date=January 5, 1972|newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]]}}</ref> but in February 1972 Ballard bought all of Stafford's shares for $7.5 million, valuing the company at $22 million ({{Inflation|CA|22000000|1972|fmt=eq|r=-3}}).<ref>{{cite news|title=Harrold Ballard: From rink rat to Gardens' boss|date=February 5, 1972|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|last=Orr|first=Frank}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ballard buys Gardens control for $7,546,350|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=February 4, 1972|first=Milt|last=Dunnell|author-link=Milt Dunnell}}</ref><ref name=Balsale>{{cite news|title=Gardens' president Harold Ballard to buy Smythe shares|newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]]|date=February 5, 1972|last=Lutsky|first=Irvin}}</ref> Six months later, Ballard was convicted of charges including fraud, and theft of money and goods, and spent a year at [[Millhaven Institution|Milhaven Penitentiary]].<ref name=MLH70 />{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=212}}

By the end of 1971, the [[World Hockey Association]] (WHA) began operations as a direct competitor to the NHL. Believing the WHA would not be able to compete against the NHL, Ballard's attitude caused the Maple Leafs to lose key players, including Parent to the upstart league.<ref name=MLH70 /> Undermanned and demoralized, the Leafs finished with the fourth-worst record for the [[1972–73 NHL season|1972–73 season]]. They got the fourth overall pick in the [[1973 NHL amateur draft]],<ref name=MLH70 /> and drafted [[Lanny McDonald]]. General Manager [[Jim Gregory (ice hockey)|Jim Gregory]] also acquired the 10th overall pick from the [[Philadelphia Flyers]], and the 15th overall pick from the Bruins, using them to acquire [[Bob Neely]] and [[Ian Turnbull (ice hockey)|Ian Turnbull]].<ref name=MLH70 /> In addition to these first-round picks, the Leafs also acquired [[Borje Salming]]<!--Don't add diacritic per [[WP:NCIH]] and [[WP:NOTBROKEN]]--> during the 1973 off-season.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=217}}

Despite acquiring [[Tiger Williams]] in the [[1974 NHL amateur draft|1974 draft]], and [[Roger Neilson]] as head coach in the [[1977–78 NHL season|1977–78 season]], the Maple Leafs found themselves eliminated in the playoffs by stronger Flyers or Canadiens teams from 1975 to 1979.<ref name=MLH70 /> Although Neilson was a popular coach with fans and his players, he found himself at odds with Ballard, who fired him late in the 1977–78 season. Neilson was later reinstated after appeals from the players and the public.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=233}} He continued as Leafs' head coach until after the 1979 playoffs, when he was fired again, alongside Gregory.<ref name=MLH70 /> Gregory was replaced by Imlach as general manager.<ref name=MLH70 />

In the first year of his second stint as general manager, Imlach became embroiled in a dispute with Leafs' captain Darryl Sittler over his attempt to take part in the Showdown series for ''Hockey Night in Canada''.<ref name=MLH70 />{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=238}} In a move to undermine Sittler's influence on the team, Imlach traded McDonald, who was Sittler's friend.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Lanny McDonald trade has Sittler in tears|first=Jim|last=Kernaghan|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|date=December 29, 1979|page=1}}</ref> By the end of the [[1979–80 NHL season|1979–80 season]], Imlach had traded away nearly half of the roster he had at the beginning of his tenure as general manager.<ref name=MLH80>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42188|title=Maple Leafs History – 1980s|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|access-date=June 27, 2017}}</ref> With the situation between Ballard and Sittler worsening, Sittler asked to be traded.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=247}} Forcing the Leafs' hand, the club's new general manager, [[Gerry McNamara (ice hockey)|Gerry McNamara]], traded Sittler to the Flyers on January 20, 1982.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=248}} [[Rick Vaive]] was named the team's captain shortly after Sittler's departure.<ref name=MLH80 />

The Maple Leafs' management continued in disarray throughout most of the decade, with an inexperienced McNamara named as Imlach's replacement in September 1981.<ref name=MLH80 /> He was followed by [[Gord Stellick]] on April 28, 1988, who was replaced by [[Floyd Smith (ice hockey)|Floyd Smith]] on August 15, 1989.<ref name=MLH80 /> Coaching was similarly shuffled often after Nielson's departure. Imlach's first choice for coach was his former player Smith, although he did not finish the 1979–80 season after being hospitalized by a car accident on March 14, 1980.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=239}} [[Joe Crozier]] was named the new head coach until January 10, 1981, when he was succeeded by [[Mike Nykoluk]]. Nykoluk was head coach until April 2, 1984.<ref name=MLH80 /> [[Dan Maloney]] returned as head coach from 1984 to 1986, with [[John Brophy (ice hockey)|John Brophy]] named head coach from 1986 to 1988. Both coaches had little success during their tenure.<ref name=MLH80 />{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=253–254}} [[Doug Carpenter]] was named the new head coach to begin the [[1989–90 NHL season|1989–90 season]] when the Leafs posted their first season above .500 in the decade.<ref name=MLH80 />

The team did not have much success during the decade, missing the playoffs entirely in 1982, 1984 and 1985.<ref name=MLH80 /> On at least two occasions, they made the playoffs with the worst winning percentages on record for a playoff team. However, in those days, the top four teams in each division made the playoffs, regardless of record. Since the Norris only had five teams in total, this meant only the last-place team in the division missed the postseason. In 1985–86, for instance, they finished with a .356 winning percentage, the fourth worst in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |title=From out of the lineup to the star of... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/04/28/From-out-of-the-lineup-to-the-star-of/6347515044800/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=UPI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Stanley Cup Playoff Notebook - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/04/27/Stanley-Cup-Playoff-Notebook/4444514962000/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=UPI}}</ref> However, due to playing in a [[Norris Division]] where no team cracked the 90-point mark, the Leafs still made the playoffs because Detroit had the worst record in the league. In 1987–88, they entered the final day of the season with the worst record in the league, but were only one point behind the [[Minnesota North Stars]] and thus were still in playoff contention. The Red Wings was the only team in the division with a winning record. However, the Leafs upset the Red Wings in their final game while the North Stars lost to the Flames hours later to hand the Leafs the final spot from the Norris.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Calgary Flames regained the lead in the NHL... - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/03/25/The-Calgary-Flames-regained-the-lead-in-the-NHL/1410575269200/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=UPI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=T. H. W. |date=December 6, 2023 |title=The Worst Teams in Stanley Cup Playoff History |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/the-worst-teams-in-stanley-cup-playoff-history/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=The Hockey Writers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hafner |first=Dan |date=April 4, 1988 |title=NHL Roundup : Devils Need Overtime to Make the Playoffs |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-04-04-sp-287-story.html |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McIndoe |first=Sean |date=April 18, 2017 |title=Down Goes Brown: 10 worst Maple Leafs playoff games of the past 30 years |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/goes-brown-10-worst-maple-leafs-playoff-games-past-30-years/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=www.sportsnet.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=After being pummeled by the Detroit Red Wings Sunday... - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/04/11/After-being-pummeled-by-the-Detroit-Red-Wings-Sunday/8096576734400/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=UPI}}</ref>

The low finishes allowed the team to draft [[Wendel Clark]] first overall at the [[1985 NHL entry draft]].<ref name=MLH80 /> Clark managed to lead the Leafs to the playoffs from 1986 to 1988, as well as the [[1990 Stanley Cup playoffs|1990 playoffs]].<ref name=MLH80 /> Ballard died on April 11, 1990.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=275}}

=== Resurgence (1990–2004) ===
[[File:Tor chi 94.jpg|thumb|First game between the Leafs and [[Chicago Blackhawks]] during the [[1994 Stanley Cup playoffs]] at Maple Leaf Gardens.]]
Don Crump, Don Giffin, and [[Steve Stavro]] were named executors of Ballard's estate.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=278}} Stavro succeeded Ballard as chairman of Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd. and governor of the Maple Leafs.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=280}} [[Cliff Fletcher]] was hired by Giffin to be the new general manager, although this was opposed by Stavro, who told Fletcher that he wanted to appoint his own general manager.<ref>{{Cite book |title= '67, The Maple Leafs: Their Sensational Victory and the End of an Empire |last1= Cox |first1= Damien |last2= Stellick |first2= Gord |publisher= Wiley |year= 2004 |isbn= 0-470-83400-5 |page= [https://archive.org/details/67mapleleafsthei00coxd_0/page/12 12] |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/67mapleleafsthei00coxd_0/page/12}}</ref>

Notwithstanding Stavro's initial reluctance with Fletcher's appointment, the Leafs' new ownership would soon earn a reputation for steering clear of exerting undue interference in hockey operations, in stark contrast to Ballard. Fletcher soon set about building a competitive club, hiring [[Pat Burns]] as the new coach, and making a series of trades and free-agent acquisitions, such as acquiring [[Doug Gilmour]] and [[Dave Andreychuk]], which turned the Leafs into a contender.<ref name=MLH90>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42189|title=Maple Leafs History – 1990s|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|access-date=June 27, 2017}}</ref> Assisted by stellar goaltending from [[minor league]] call-up [[Felix Potvin]], the team posted a then-franchise-record 99 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/04/29/maple_leafs_in_playoffs_199293_defence_similar_to_this_years_says_todd_gill.html|title=Maple Leafs in playoffs: 1992-'93 defence similar to this year's, says Todd Gill|last=Zwolinski|first=Mark|date=April 29, 2013|access-date=January 29, 2018|work=Toronto Star|publisher=Torstar Corporation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140807/https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/04/29/maple_leafs_in_playoffs_199293_defence_similar_to_this_years_says_todd_gill.html|archive-date=January 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the 1993 playoffs, Toronto dispatched the Detroit Red Wings in seven games in the first round, then defeated the [[St. Louis Blues]] in another seven games in the division finals.<ref name=MLH90 /> Hoping to meet long-time rival Montreal (who was playing in the [[Wales Conference]] finals against the [[New York Islanders]]) in the Cup finals, the Leafs faced the [[Los Angeles Kings]] in the [[Campbell Conference]] finals.<ref name=MLH90 /> They led the series 3–2 but dropped game six in Los Angeles. The game was not without controversy, as [[Wayne Gretzky]] clipped Gilmour in the face with his stick, but referee [[Kerry Fraser]] did not call a penalty, and Gretzky scored the winning goal moments later.<ref>{{cite web|last=Zeisberger|first=Mike|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Zeisberger/2007/04/07/3944053-sun.html|title=Better than a Game 7: Hockey icons' true colours show through|date=April 7, 2007|access-date=June 28, 2008|publisher=Canoe.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720061921/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Zeisberger/2007/04/07/3944053-sun.html|archive-date=July 20, 2012|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The Leafs eventually lost in game seven 5–4.<ref name=MLH90 />

[[File:Mats Sundin 1997.jpg|thumb|alt=Mats Sundin skating forward in an ice hockey game, playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.|[[Mats Sundin]] in October 1997, shortly after being named captain of the Leafs after the [[Doug Gilmour]] trade to the [[New Jersey Devils]].]]
The Leafs had another strong season in [[1993–94 NHL season|1993–94]], starting the season on a ten-game winning streak, and finishing it with 98 points.<ref name=MLH90 /> The team made it to the conference finals again, only to be eliminated by the [[Vancouver Canucks]] in five games.<ref name=MLH90 /> At the [[1994 NHL entry draft]], the Leafs packaged [[Wendel Clark]] in a multi-player trade with the [[Quebec Nordiques]] that landed them [[Mats Sundin]].<ref name=MLH90 /> After the Leafs traded Gilmour to the [[New Jersey Devils]] in 1997, Sundin was named captain. Missing two consecutive playoffs in [[1997 Stanley Cup playoffs|1997]] and [[1998 Stanley Cup playoffs|1998]], the Leafs relieved Fletcher as general manager.<ref name=MLH90 />

==== New home and a new millennium (1998–2004) ====
On February 12, 1998, MLGL purchased the [[Toronto Raptors]], a [[National Basketball Association]] franchise, and the [[Scotiabank Arena|arena]] the Raptors were building, from [[Allan Slaight]] and [[Scotiabank]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Raptors bought by Leafs|date=February 13, 1998|last=Tedesco|first=Theresa|newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator|publisher=Torstar Corp}}</ref>{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=302}}<ref name=namec>{{cite book|title=National Basketball Association Franchises: Team Performance and Financial Success|publisher=Lexington Books|year=2017|first=Frank P Jr.|last=Jozsa|isbn=978-1-4985-4800-7|page=32}}</ref> With the acquisition, MLGL was renamed [[Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment]] (MLSE), acting as the parent company of the two teams.<ref name=namec /> [[Larry Tanenbaum]] was a driving force in the acquisition, having bought a 12.5 percent stake in Maple Leaf Gardens Limited (MLGL) in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/what-does-winning-look-like/article994872/|title=What does winning look like?|work=The Globe and Mail|date=February 24, 2004|access-date=March 30, 2018|last=Grange|first=Michael|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605075739/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/what-does-winning-look-like/article994872/|archive-date=June 5, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kilmergroup.com/group/lawrence-tanenbaum/|title=Lawrence Tanenbaum, OC|publisher=Kilmer Group|year=2018|access-date=March 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330103808/http://www.kilmergroup.com/group/lawrence-tanenbaum/|archive-date=March 30, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Curtis Joseph]] was acquired as the team's starting goalie, while [[Pat Quinn (ice hockey)|Pat Quinn]] was hired as the head coach before the [[1998–99 NHL season|1998–99 season]].<ref name=MLH90 /> Realigning the NHL's conferences in 1998, the Leafs were moved from the Western to the Eastern Conference.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=302}} On February 13, 1999, the Leafs played their final game at the Gardens before moving to their new home at the then-Air Canada Centre.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=303–304}} In the [[1999 Stanley Cup playoffs|1999 playoffs]], the team advanced to the conference finals but lost in five games to the [[Buffalo Sabres]].<ref name=MLH90 />

[[File:Steve Stavro welcome ACC.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A letter printed out on a white piece of paper, with a photo portrait of an individual on the upper left corner.|A letter from [[Steve Stavro]] welcoming fans to the first Leafs home game at Air Canada Centre (later renamed [[Scotiabank Arena]]), February 1999.]]
In the [[1999–2000 NHL season|1999–2000 season]], the Leafs hosted the [[2000 National Hockey League All-Star Game|50th NHL All-Star Game]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=307}} By the end of the season, they recorded their first 100-point season and won their first division title in 37 years.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=309}} In both the [[2000 Stanley Cup playoffs|2000]] and [[2001 Stanley Cup playoffs|2001 playoffs]], the Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators in the first round and lost to the [[New Jersey Devils]] in the second round.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=309}}{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=311}} In the [[2002 Stanley Cup playoffs|2002 playoffs]], the Leafs dispatched the Islanders and the Senators in seven games each during the first two rounds, only to lose to the [[Cinderella (sports)|Cinderella-story]] [[Carolina Hurricanes]] in six games in the conference finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/hurricanes-maple-leafs-2002-conference-final/|title=A look back at the 2002 East final|publisher=Rogers Digital Media|access-date=February 27, 2020|date=February 4, 2013|last=Hoffman|first=Patrick|work=Sportsnet}}</ref> The 2001–02 season was particularly impressive in that injuries sidelined many of the Leafs' better players, but the efforts of depth players, including [[Alyn McCauley]], [[Gary Roberts (ice hockey)|Gary Roberts]] and [[Darcy Tucker]], led them to the conference finals.{{sfn|Leonetti|2014|p=218}}

As Joseph opted to become a [[free agent]] during the 2002 off-season, the Leafs signed [[Ed Belfour]] as the new starting goaltender.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Road to Hockeytown: Jimmy Devellano's Forty Years in the NHL|last1=Devellano|first1=Jim|last2=Lajoie|first2=Roger|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|year=2010|isbn=978-0-470-73870-2|page=242}}</ref> Belfour played well during the [[2002–03 NHL season|2002–03 season]] and was a finalist for the [[Vezina Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/belfour-mogilny-among-award-nominees/c-459512|title=Belfour, Mogilny Among Award Nominees|work=Toronto Maple Leafs|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|date=April 30, 2003|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803212246/https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/belfour-mogilny-among-award-nominees/c-459512|archive-date=August 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The Leafs lost to Philadelphia in seven games during the first round of the [[2003 Stanley Cup playoffs|2003 playoffs]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=321}} In 2003, an ownership change occurred in MLSE. Stavro sold his controlling interest in MLSE to the [[Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan]] (OTPP) and resigned his position as chairman in favour of Tanenbaum.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-front-office-struggle-may-heat-up/article748891/|date=February 12, 2003|last=Shoalts|first=David|title=Leafs' front-office struggle may heat up|access-date=June 30, 2017|work=The Globe and Mail}}</ref> Quinn remained as head coach but was replaced as general manager by [[John Ferguson Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/news/story?id=1605563|title=Ferguson Jr., 36, hired to fill Quinn's shoes|date=August 29, 2003|access-date=June 30, 2017|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716160722/http://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/news/story?id=1605563|archive-date=July 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Before the [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04 season]], the team held their training camp in Sweden and played in the [[NHL Challenge]] against teams from Sweden and Finland.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/leafs-to-visit-sweden-and-finland-this-september-for-challenge-2003/c-459393|title=Leafs to visit Sweden and Finland this September for Challenge 2003|work=Toronto Maple Leafs|publisher=Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment|date=February 10, 2003|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804012630/https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/leafs-to-visit-sweden-and-finland-this-september-for-challenge-2003/c-459393|archive-date=August 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The Leafs went on to enjoy a very successful regular season, leading the NHL at the time of the All-Star Game (with Quinn named head coach of the East's All-Star Team). They finished the season with a then-franchise-record 103 points.<ref name=Star03>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/04/21/maple_leafs_in_the_playoffs_where_are_200304_players_now.html|title=Maple Leafs in the playoffs: Where are 2003-04 players now?|date=April 21, 2013|last=Mitchell|first=Bob|work=Toronto Star|publisher=Torstar Coprporation|access-date=June 30, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730040507/http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/04/21/maple_leafs_in_the_playoffs_where_are_200304_players_now.html|archive-date=July 30, 2013}}</ref> They finished with the fourth-best record in the League, and their highest overall finish in 41 years, achieving a .628 win percentage, their best in 43 years, and third-best in franchise history. In the [[2004 Stanley Cup playoffs|2004 playoffs]], the Leafs defeated the Senators in the first round of the postseason for the fourth time in five years, with Belfour posting three shutouts in seven games, but lost to the Flyers in six games during the second round.<ref name=Star03 />

=== After the lockout (2005–2014) ===
[[File:Mats Sundin 2008.jpg|thumb|Mats Sundin in 2008 during his last season with the Maple Leafs.]]
Following the [[2004–05 NHL lockout]], the Maple Leafs experienced their longest playoff drought in the team's history. They struggled in the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]]; despite a late-season surge (9–1–2 in their final 12 games), led by goaltender [[Jean-Sebastien Aubin]], Toronto was out of playoff contention for the first time since 1998.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=328}} This marked the first time the team had missed the postseason under Quinn, who was later relieved as head coach.<ref name=QuinF>{{cite web|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/why-pat-quinn-got-fired-from-the-toronto-maple-leafs|title=Why Pat Quinn got fired from the Toronto Maple Leafs|last=Staples|first=David|date=May 27, 2009|work=The Edmonton Journal |access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804012610/http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/why-pat-quinn-got-fired-from-the-toronto-maple-leafs|archive-date=August 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Quinn's dismissal was controversial since many of the young players who were key contributors to the Leafs' late-season run had been drafted by him before Ferguson's arrival, while Ferguson's signings ([[Jason Allison]], Belfour, [[Alexander Khavanov]], and [[Eric Lindros]]) had suffered season-ending injuries.<ref name=QuinF /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2012/02/25/simmons-fergusons-leafs-were-better-than-burkes|title=Ferguson's Leafs were better than Burke's|last=Simmons|first=Steve|newspaper=Toronto Sun |date=February 25, 2012|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803212441/http://www.torontosun.com/2012/02/25/simmons-fergusons-leafs-were-better-than-burkes|archive-date=August 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Paul Maurice]], who had previously coached the inaugural season of the Maple Leafs' [[Toronto Marlies]] farm team, was named as Quinn's replacement.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=327}} On June 30, 2006, the Leafs bought out fan-favourite [[Tie Domi]]'s contract. The team also decided against picking up the option year on goaltender Ed Belfour's contract; he became a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/maple-leafs-cut-belfour-domi-1.577166|title=Maple Leafs cut Belfour, Domi|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=June 30, 2017|date=June 30, 2006}}</ref> However, despite the coaching change, as well as a shuffle in the roster, the team did not make the playoffs in [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]]. During the [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08 season]], John Ferguson Jr. was fired in January 2008 and replaced by former Leafs' general manager Cliff Fletcher on an interim basis.{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=328–29}} The team retained Toronto-based sports lawyer [[Gord Kirke]] to begin a search for a new team president and general manager, and negotiate a contract.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Milner |first1=Brian |title=Toronto sports lawyer begins new Leafs GM search |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/toronto-sports-lawyer-begins-new-leafs-gm-search/article1051080/ |access-date=May 2, 2019 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=January 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051436/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/toronto-sports-lawyer-begins-new-leafs-gm-search/article1051080/ |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Leafs did not qualify for the [[2008 Stanley Cup playoffs|postseason]], marking the first time since [[1927–28 NHL season|1928]] the team had failed to make the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/mobile/maple-leafs-eliminated-from-playoff-contention-1.285793|title=Maple Leafs eliminated from playoff contention|work=CTV News Toronto|date=March 28, 2008|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803213114/http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/mobile/maple-leafs-eliminated-from-playoff-contention-1.285793|archive-date=August 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also Sundin's last year with the Leafs, as his contract was due to expire at the end of the season. However, he refused Leafs management's request to waive his no-trade clause for the team to rebuild by acquiring prospects or draft picks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/leafs-sundin-won-t-waive-no-trade-clause-1.756137 |title=Leafs' Sundin won't waive no-trade clause – Hockey – CBC |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=February 24, 2008 |access-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317171302/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/02/24/leafs-sundin.html |archive-date=March 17, 2011}}</ref> On May 7, 2008, after the 2007–08 season, the Leafs fired Maurice, as well as assistant coach [[Randy Ladouceur]], naming [[Ron Wilson (ice hockey, born 1955)|Ron Wilson]] as the new head coach, and [[Tim Hunter (ice hockey)|Tim Hunter]] and [[Rob Zettler]] as assistant coaches.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=237026&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl | title=Maple Leafs fire head coach Paul Maurice | publisher=[[The Sports Network|TSN]] | date=May 7, 2008 | access-date=May 7, 2008 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510105806/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=237026&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl | archive-date=May 10, 2008 | df=mdy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Dion Phaneuf 2012-03-07.JPG|thumb|left|alt=Dion Phaneuf holding his ice hockey stick with both hands, while playing with the Maple Leafs.|[[Dion Phaneuf]] was named team captain in the 2010 off-season and served that role until he was traded to Ottawa in 2016.]]
On November 29, 2008, the Maple Leafs hired [[Brian Burke (ice hockey)|Brian Burke]] as their 13th non-interim, and the first American, general manager in team history. The acquisition ended the second Cliff Fletcher era and settled persistent rumours that Burke was coming to Toronto.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=257760&hubname=nhl-maple_leafs | title=Leafs introduce Burke as new president and general manager | publisher=[[The Sports Network|TSN]] | date=November 29, 2008 | access-date=January 21, 2009 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606232911/http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=257760&hubname=nhl-maple_leafs | archive-date=June 6, 2011 | df=mdy-all}}</ref> On June 26, 2009, Burke made his first appearance as the Leafs GM at the [[2009 NHL entry draft]], selecting [[London Knights]] forward [[Nazem Kadri]] with the seventh overall pick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nazem Kadri drafted by Leafs|url=http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2009/6/26/926827/leafs-draft-nazem-kadri|work=PensionPlanPuppets|date=June 26, 2009|access-date=August 16, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328124237/http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2009/6/26/926827/leafs-draft-nazem-kadri|archive-date=March 28, 2012}}</ref> On September 18, 2009, Burke traded Toronto's first- and second-round [[2010 NHL entry draft|2010]], as well as its [[2011 NHL entry draft|2011]] first-round picks, to the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward [[Phil Kessel]].<ref>{{cite web| title = Kessel traded to Maple Leafs, signs 5-year, $27m contract| url = https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=291601| publisher = TSN| date =September 19, 2009| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100420034408/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=291601| archive-date =April 20, 2010| df = mdy-all}}</ref> On January 31, 2010, the Leafs made another high-profile trade, this time with the [[Calgary Flames]] in a seven-player deal that brought defenceman [[Dion Phaneuf]] to Toronto.<ref>{{Cite news|title=FLAMES TRADE D PHANEUF TO MAPLE LEAFS IN SEVEN-PLAYER DEAL|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308469|publisher=The Sports Network|date=January 31, 2010|access-date=January 31, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203023156/http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308469|archive-date=February 3, 2010}}</ref> On June 14, during the off-season, the Leafs named Phaneuf captain after two seasons without one following Sundin's departure.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Maple Leafs introduce Phaneuf as team's captain|url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/maple-leafs-introduce-phaneuf-as-team-s-captain-1.522476|publisher=CTV.com|date=June 14, 2010|access-date=June 14, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727124431/http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100614/toronto-leafs-phaneuf-captain-100614/20100614/?hub=OttawaHome|archive-date=July 27, 2011}}</ref> On February 18, 2011, the team traded long-time Maple Leafs defenceman [[Tomas Kaberle]] to the Bruins in exchange for prospect [[Joe Colborne]], Boston's first-round pick in 2011, and a conditional second-round draft choice.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tomas Kaberle Traded to Boston; Bruins Trade Blake Wheeler to Atlanta|url=http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/18/report-tomas-kaberle-traded-to-boston-bruins-trading-blake-whe/|publisher=AOL|access-date=June 21, 2011|date=February 18, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516070841/http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/18/report-tomas-kaberle-traded-to-boston-bruins-trading-blake-whe/|archive-date=May 16, 2011}}</ref>

On March 2, 2012, Burke fired Wilson and named [[Randy Carlyle]] the new head coach. However, the termination proved to be controversial as Wilson had received a contract extension just two months before being let go.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2012/03/02/ron_wilson_fired_leafs_turn_to_randy_carlyle.html|title=Ron Wilson fired: Leafs turn to Randy Carlyle|last=Cox|first=Damien|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=July 8, 2017|work=Toronto Star|publisher=Torstar Corporation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031002559/http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2012/03/02/ron_wilson_fired_leafs_turn_to_randy_carlyle.html|archive-date=October 31, 2015}}</ref> Changes at the ownership level also occurred in August 2012, when the OTPP completed the sale of their shares in MLSE to [[BCE Inc.]] and [[Rogers Communications]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://business.financialpost.com/news/fp-street/teachers-completes-1-32-billion-mlse-sale-to-rogers-bell/wcm/52f875d2-bb74-4ed5-9beb-96370b209f7f|title=Teachers' completes $1.32-billion MLSE sale to Rogers, Bell|work=Financial Post|first=Barbara|last=Shecter|date=August 22, 2012|access-date=July 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706043856/http://business.financialpost.com/news/fp-street/teachers-completes-1-32-billion-mlse-sale-to-rogers-bell/wcm/52f875d2-bb74-4ed5-9beb-96370b209f7f|archive-date=July 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 9, 2013, Burke was fired as general manager, and replaced by [[Dave Nonis]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Maple Leafs Replace Burke With Nonis As New GM|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=413146|publisher=TSN|access-date=January 9, 2013|date=January 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109212939/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=413146|archive-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> In their first full season under the leadership of Carlyle, Toronto managed to secure a playoff berth in the [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]] (which was shortened again due to another [[2012–13 NHL lockout|lock-out]]) for the first time in eight years. However, the Leafs lost in [[Game seven|seven games]] to eventual [[2013 Stanley Cup Finals|2013 Stanley Cup finalist]] Boston in the [[2013 Stanley Cup playoffs|first round]].{{sfn|Shea|Wilson|2016|p=341–42}} Despite the season's success, it was not repeated during the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]], as the Leafs failed to make the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2014/04/08/maple_leafs_officially_eliminated_from_the_playoffs.html|title=Maple Leafs officially eliminated from the playoffs|first=Rosie|last=Dimanno|date=April 8, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2017|work=Toronto Star|publisher=Torstar Corporation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001011120/http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2014/04/08/maple_leafs_officially_eliminated_from_the_playoffs.html|archive-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref>

=== Brendan Shanahan era (2014–2025) ===
[[File:Shanahan.png|thumb|alt=Brendan Shanahan stands behind a podium that has a LeafsTV microphone attached on its top.|[[Brendan Shanahan]] was named the president and an alternate governor of the club in April 2014.]]
Following the 2013–14 regular season, [[Brendan Shanahan]] was named as the president and an alternate governor of the Maple Leafs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brendan Shanahan Named Leafs President & Alternate Governor|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=713971|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L.P.|website=TorontoMapleLeafs.com|access-date=July 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414031019/http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=713971|archive-date=April 14, 2014}}</ref> On January 6, 2015, the Leafs fired Randy Carlyle as head coach, and assistant coach [[Peter Horachek]] took over on an interim basis immediately.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/ten-candidates-to-replace-randy-carlyle-as-next-coach-of-maple-leafs/article22315113/?page=all|title=Ten candidates to replace Randy Carlyle as next coach of Maple Leafs|last=Whyno|first=Stephen|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=June 29, 2017|date=January 6, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116025001/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/ten-candidates-to-replace-randy-carlyle-as-next-coach-of-maple-leafs/article22315113/?page=all|archive-date=January 16, 2015}}</ref> While the Leafs had a winning record before Carlyle's firing, the team eventually collapsed. On February 6, 2015, the Leafs set a new franchise record of 11 consecutive games without a win. At the beginning of February, Shanahan gained the approval of MLSE's board of directors to begin a "scorched earth" rebuild of the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/kelly-shanahans-scorched-earth-leafs-plan-wins-mlse-support/article22938348/|title=Shanahan's scorched-earth Leafs plan wins MLSE support|first=Cathal|last=Kelly|date=February 12, 2015|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=June 29, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311145502/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/kelly-shanahans-scorched-earth-leafs-plan-wins-mlse-support/article22938348/|archive-date=March 11, 2017}}</ref> Both Dave Nonis and Horachek were relieved of their duties on April 12, just one day after the season concluded. In addition, the Leafs also fired several assistant coaches, including [[Steve Spott]] and [[Rick St. Croix]], as well as individuals from the Leafs' player scouting department.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=762909|title=Maple Leafs announce organizational changes|date=April 12, 2015|publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs|access-date=April 12, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415012338/http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=762909|archive-date=April 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=762939|title=Maple Leafs announce changes to scouting staff|date=April 12, 2015|publisher=Toronto Maple Leafs|access-date=July 22, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723230019/http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=762939|archive-date=July 23, 2015}}</ref>

On May 20, 2015, [[Mike Babcock]] was named as the new head coach, and on July 23, [[Lou Lamoriello]] was named the 16th general manager in team history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=768357|title=Mike Babcock hired by Maple Leafs as coach|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 20, 2015|access-date=July 22, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723074317/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=768357|archive-date=July 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/lamoriello-named-maple-leafs-gm-after-resigning-from-devils-1.335040|publisher=The Sports Network|title=Lamoriello named Maple Leafs GM|date=July 23, 2015|access-date=July 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723223723/http://www.tsn.ca/lamoriello-named-maple-leafs-gm-after-resigning-from-devils-1.335040|archive-date=July 23, 2015}}</ref> On July 1, 2015, the Leafs packaged Kessel in a multi-player deal to the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] in return for three skaters, including [[Kasperi Kapanen]], a conditional first-round pick, and a third-round pick. Toronto also retained $1.2&nbsp;million of Kessel's salary for the remaining seven seasons of his contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-trade-phil-kessel-to-penguins/|first=Mike|last=Johnston|title=Maple Leafs trade Phil Kessel to Penguins|date=July 1, 2015|work=Sportsnet|publisher=Rogers Digital Media|access-date=September 20, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909151635/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-trade-phil-kessel-to-penguins/|archive-date=September 9, 2015}}</ref> During the following season, on February 9, 2016, the Leafs packaged Phaneuf in another multi-player deal, acquiring four players, as well as a [[2017 NHL entry draft|2017]] second-round pick from the Ottawa Senators.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2015-16-nhl-trades/c-278555954|title=2015–16 NHL Trade Tracker|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=March 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412042050/https://www.nhl.com/news/2015-16-nhl-trades/c-278555954|archive-date=April 12, 2016}}</ref> The team finished last in the NHL for the first time since the [[1984–85 NHL season|1984–85 season]]. They subsequently won the draft lottery and used the first overall pick to draft [[Auston Matthews]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-select-auston-matthews-first-pick-2016-nhl-draft/|title=Maple Leafs select Auston Matthews with first pick in 2016 NHL Draft|work=Sportsnet|publisher=Rogers Digital Media|access-date=June 29, 2017|date=June 24, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102052253/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-select-auston-matthews-first-pick-2016-nhl-draft/|archive-date=November 2, 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Capitals-Maple Leafs (33848280780).jpg|thumb|left|The Maple Leafs faced the [[Washington Capitals]] in the first round of the [[2017 Stanley Cup playoffs|2017 playoffs]].]]
In their second season under Babcock, Toronto secured the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot for the [[2017 Stanley Cup playoffs|2017 playoffs]]. On April 23, 2017, the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs by the top-seeded [[Washington Capitals]] four games to two in the best-of-seven series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/tor-vs-wsh/2017/04/23/2016030136|title=Washington Capitals – Toronto Maple Leafs – April 23rd, 2017|publisher=National Hockey League|date=April 23, 2017|access-date=April 23, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424173917/https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-tor/2017/04/23/2016030136#game=2016030136,game_state=final,game_tab=stats|archive-date=April 24, 2017}}</ref>

Toronto finished the [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18 season]] with 105 points by beating Montreal 4–2 in their final game of the regular season, a franchise-record, beating the previous record of 103 points set in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-tor/2018/04/07/2017021259#game=2017021259,game_state=final|title=Maple Leafs set two team records in win against Canadiens|publisher=National Hockey League|date=April 7, 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408141412/https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-tor/2018/04/07/2017021259#game=2017021259,game_state=final|archive-date=April 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> They faced the Boston Bruins in the first round and lost in seven games.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goss|first1=Nicholas|title=Bruins Wrap: Jake DeBrusk Scores Twice, B's Beat Leafs 7-4 In Game 7 Thriller|url=https://nesn.com/2018/04/bruins-wrap-jake-debrusk-scores-twice-bs-beat-leafs-7-4-in-game-7-thriller/|website=NESN.com|access-date=April 26, 2018|date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426092856/https://nesn.com/2018/04/bruins-wrap-jake-debrusk-scores-twice-bs-beat-leafs-7-4-in-game-7-thriller/|archive-date=April 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the playoffs, Lamoriello was not renewed as general manager.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/lamoriello-will-not-return-as-leafs-gm-1.1072178|title=Lamoriello will not return as Leafs GM – Article – TSN|date=April 30, 2018|work=TSN|access-date=May 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502033217/https://www.tsn.ca/lamoriello-will-not-return-as-leafs-gm-1.1072178|archive-date=May 2, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kyle Dubas]] was subsequently named the team's 17th general manager in May 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-toronto-maple-leafs-appoint-kyle-dubas-new-general-manager/|title=Toronto Maple Leafs appoint 32-year-old Kyle Dubas as general manager|date=May 11, 2018|access-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514142935/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-toronto-maple-leafs-appoint-kyle-dubas-new-general-manager/|archive-date=May 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> During the 2018 off-season, the Maple Leafs signed [[John Tavares]] to a seven-year, $77&nbsp;million contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/john-tavares-signs-seven-year-deal-with-toronto-maple-leafs/c-299370932|title=Tavares signs seven-year contract with Maple Leafs|publisher=National Hockey League|first=Brian|last=Compton|date=July 1, 2018|access-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712044107/https://www.nhl.com/news/john-tavares-signs-seven-year-deal-with-toronto-maple-leafs/c-299370932|archive-date=July 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 1, the Maple Leafs clinched a division berth for the [[2019 Stanley Cup playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-clinch-playoff-spot-win-islanders/|work=Sportsnet|publisher=Rogers Digital Media|date=April 1, 2019|access-date=May 7, 2019|title=Maple Leafs clinch playoff spot with win over Islanders|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406081823/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-clinch-playoff-spot-win-islanders/|archive-date=April 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round of the 2019 playoffs on April 23, after losing to the Bruins in a seven-game series.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wharnsby|first=Tim|title=Leafs face another long summer of second-guessing after devastating Game 7 loss|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-toronto-boston-game-7-analysis-1.5108332|work=CBC Sports|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=April 23, 2019|access-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506041650/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-toronto-boston-game-7-analysis-1.5108332|archive-date=May 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 2, 2019, Tavares was named as the team's 25th team captain prior to the Leafs' [[2019–20 NHL season|2019–20 season]] opening game.<ref name=tav25>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-toronto-maple-leafs-captain-1.5305610|title=NHL·New Toronto native John Tavares named captain of Maple Leafs|work=CBC News|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=October 2, 2019|date=October 2, 2019|last=Clipperton|first=Joshua}}</ref> After a 9–10–4 start to the 2019–20 season, the club relieved Babcock as head coach on November 20, with [[Sheldon Keefe]] named as his replacement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-fire-head-coach-mike-babcock/|title=Maple Leafs fire head coach Mike Babcock|date=November 20, 2019|access-date=November 23, 2019|work=Sportsnet|publisher=Rogers Digital Media}}</ref> The Maple Leafs were eliminated in the [[2020 Stanley Cup playoffs#Stanley Cup Qualifiers|2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers]] on August 9, after losing a five-game series against the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-lose-game-5-to-columbus-blue-jackets/c-318367262|title=Maple Leafs denied playoff run again with Game 5 loss to Blue Jackets|last=Rosen|first=Dan|date=August 10, 2020|access-date=August 17, 2020|publisher=National Hockey League|website=www.nhl.com}}</ref>

[[File:Auston Matthews 9.jpg|thumb|[[Auston Matthews]], wearing [[eye black]]s, during an outdoor practice with the Maple Leafs at [[Nathan Phillips Square]], January 2020.]]
Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and travel restrictions at the [[Canada–United States border]], the Leafs were temporarily moved to the [[North Division (NHL)|North Division]] for the 2020–21 season alongside the NHL's other Canadian teams. During that season, teams only played games against teams in their divisions, in a limited 56-game season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/how-new-divisions-schedule-will-work-in-2020-21-nhl-season/c-319819070|last=Smith|first=Michael|website=NHL.com|date=December 20, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L.P.|title=How New Divisions, Schedule Will Work in 2020–21 NHL Season}}</ref> On May 8, 2021, the Leafs clinched the North Division title, giving the Leafs guaranteed [[home advantage]] in the first two rounds of the [[2021 Stanley Cup playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2154912|last=Teague|first=Matt|website=thescore.com|publisher=Score Media Ventures|title=Maple Leafs clinch 1st division title in 21 years|date=May 8, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021}}</ref> Matthews also led the league in goals with 41 goals, becoming the first Maple Leaf to win the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]]. However, the Leafs lost in the first round to [[Canadiens–Maple Leafs rivalry|their rivals]], the [[Montreal Canadiens]], with the Leafs [[List of teams to overcome 3–1 series deficits|surrendering a 3–1 series lead]] in the process.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 31, 2021|title=Another playoff collapse ends Maple Leafs season in heartbreaking fashion after Game 7 loss to Canadiens|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/analysis/2021/05/31/from-harold-ballard-to-david-clarkson-summing-up-54-years-of-maple-leafs-misery-in-250-words.html|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=thestar.com}}</ref>

Despite the ending to the previous season, the Leafs were poised to make another run, with much of the core roster intact. Aided by the arrival of defenceman [[Mark Giordano]] and centre [[Colin Blackwell]] from the [[Seattle Kraken]] on March 21, the team cruised throughout the regular season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/coyotes/news/coyotes-trade-hutton-to-toronto-in-exchange-for-future-considerations/c-331056118|title=Coyotes Trade Hutton to Toronto In Exchange For Future Considerations|publisher=Arizona Coyotes|date=February 21, 2022|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Giordano traded to Maple Leafs by Kraken|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/mark-giordano-traded-to-maple-leafs-by-kraken/c-331816932|website=NHL.com|access-date=March 20, 2022|date=March 20, 2022}}</ref> The Maple Leafs broke their franchise record for points in a season, with 115, and wins in a season, with 50, during a 4–2 victory over the [[New York Islanders]] on April 17.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leafs set franchise record for wins, points in a season after beating Islanders|url=https://www.tsn.ca/toronto-maple-leafs-franchise-record-wins-points-in-single-season-1.1786907|website=TSN.ca |access-date=April 22, 2022 |date=April 17, 2022}}</ref> Despite the achievement, they were unable to match the league-leading [[Florida Panthers]]', finishing second in the Atlantic Division<ref>{{cite web |title=Florida Panthers clinch Atlantic Division title, home-ice advantage throughout East playoffs |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33782274/florida-panthers-clinch-atlantic-division-title-home-ice-advantage-east-playoffs |website=[[ESPN]] |access-date=April 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422034522/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33782274/florida-panthers-clinch-atlantic-division-title-home-ice-advantage-east-playoffs |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |date=April 21, 2022}}</ref> During the season, Matthews became the first Leaf in a decade to score 60 goals in a season, and was awarded the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-star-auston-matthews-wins-the-hart-trophy/|title=Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews wins the Hart Trophy|date=June 21, 2022|access-date=October 24, 2023|website=www.sportsnet.ca|publisher=Rogers Digital Media}}</ref> The Leafs made the playoffs but lost in the first round to the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] in seven games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cp24.com/sports/maple-leafs-eliminated-from-playoffs-after-2-1-loss-to-lightning-in-game-7-1.5903842|website=www.cp24.com|publisher=Bell Media|title=Maple Leafs eliminated from playoffs after 2-1 loss to Lightning in Game 7|last=Clipperton|first=Joshua|date=May 14, 2022|access-date=October 5, 2022}}</ref> With this loss, the Maple Leafs became the first team in the four major North American sports leagues to lose five consecutive winner-take-all games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mirtle |first1=James |title=Mirtle: What changes do the Maple Leafs need after another early exit? |url=https://theathletic.com/3312528/2022/05/15/mirtle-maple-leafs-whats-next-after-playoff-exit/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=November 22, 2023 |date=May 15, 2022}}</ref>

The 2022 off-season saw the departure of the Leafs' goalie tandem, [[Jack Campbell (ice hockey)|Jack Campbell]] and [[Petr Mrazek]], the former signing with Edmonton, the latter being traded to the Blackhawks during the [[2022 NHL entry draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oilers sign Jack Campbell to five-year, $25-million contract |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/oilers-sign-jack-campbell-to-five-year-25-million-contract/ |access-date=October 24, 2023 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref> Needing a goaltender tandem for the upcoming season, the Leafs acquired [[Matt Murray (ice hockey, born 1994)|Matt Murray]] through a trade with the Senators,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senators trade Matt Murray, draft picks to Maple Leafs for future considerations |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/senators-trade-matt-murray-draft-picks-to-maple-leafs-for-future-considerations/ |access-date=October 24, 2023 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref> and signed free agent [[Ilya Samsonov]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maple Leafs sign goalie Ilya Samsonov to one-year, $1.8-million contract |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/maple-leafs-sign-goalie-ilya-samsonov-to-one-year-1-8-million-contract/ |access-date=October 24, 2023 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref>

During the [[2022–23 NHL season]], the Leafs again fared well in the regular season, achieving an excellent 50–21–11 record and 111 points, one point less than the record achieved the season prior. However, the record-setting [[2022–23 Boston Bruins season|2022–23 Boston Bruins]] led the division, finishing with 135 points, and leaving the Leafs in second place in the Atlantic. In the [[2023 Stanley Cup playoffs#(A2) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (A3) Tampa Bay Lightning|first round]] of the playoffs, the Leafs defeated the Lightning in a six-game series, marking the first time the Maple Leafs advanced to the second round of the playoff appearance since 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/30/sport/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-spt-intl/index.html|website=CNN|publisher=CNN|title=Toronto Maple Leafs win first NHL playoff series since 2004|last=Lev|first=Jacob|date=April 30, 2023|access-date=May 1, 2023}}</ref> During the series with the Lightning, the Leafs became the first NHL team to win three road playoff games in overtime. However, the Leafs lost to the Florida Panthers in the second round in five games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Panthers 3-2 Maple Leafs (May 12, 2023) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/game/_/gameId/401545899 |access-date=October 24, 2023 |website=ESPN}}</ref> Following the loss, Dubas' contract as general manager was not renewed with the club for the 2023–24 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schram |first=Carol |title=Kyle Dubas Is Out As Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolschram/2023/05/19/kyle-dubas-is-out-as-toronto-maple-leafs-general-manager/ |access-date=October 24, 2023 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Dubas was then replaced by [[Brad Treliving]] on May 31.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shilton|first=Kristen|title=Maple Leafs hire Brad Treliving as next GM|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/37767835/sources-maple-leafs-hire-brad-treliving-new-gm|access-date=October 24, 2023|website=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN Enterprises|date=May 31, 2023}}</ref>

In [[2023–24 NHL season|2023–24]], the team finished with a 46–26–10 record, good for 102 points and the third seed in the Atlantic Division. Matthews broke his own career and franchise records for goals in a season, with 69, and was awarded his third Rocket Richard Trophy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 19, 2024 |title=Matthews wins Richard Trophy as NHL's leading goal-scorer for 3rd time |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/auston-matthews-wins-nhl-maurice-rocket-richard-trophy |access-date=May 10, 2024 |website=www.nhl.com}}</ref> However, they were again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, falling to the Bruins in seven games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2024 |title=Pastrnak, Bruins eliminate Maple Leafs with OT win in Game 7 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-boston-bruins-game-7-recap-may-4 |access-date=May 10, 2024 |website=www.nhl.com}}</ref> After the season, Keefe was dismissed as head coach on May 9,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs-fire-head-coach-sheldon-keefe/ |access-date=May 10, 2024 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref> with [[Craig Berube]] hired as his successor on May 17.<ref name="517Berube">{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-hire-craig-berube-as-coach |title=Berube hired as Maple Leafs coach, replaces Keefe |website=NHL.com |date=May 17, 2024 |access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref> That off-season, Tavares relinquished his role as captain to Matthews on August 14, 2024, with the latter becoming the 26th overall and first American-born captain in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Dave |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/auston-matthews-named-toronto-captain-replaces-john-tavares |title=Matthews named Maple Leafs captain, replaces Tavares |access-date=August 14, 2024 |website=NHL.com |date=August 14, 2024}}</ref>

The team finished the [[2024–25 NHL season|2024–25 season]] with a 52–26–4 record, topping the Atlantic Division with 108 points, their first division championship in the Atlantic, setting up a [[Battle of Ontario]] matchup with the [[Wild card (sports)#National Hockey League|wild card]] Ottawa Senators in the first round of the [[2025 Stanley Cup playoffs|2025 playoffs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maple Leafs clinch division to set up Battle of Ontario playoff series vs. Senators |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-playoffs-canada-rdp-1.7511443 |access-date=May 18, 2025 |website=CBC.ca.com |date=April 16, 2025}}</ref> In doing so, Berube broke the record for most wins for a Maple Leafs coach in his first season, previously held by [[Pat Quinn (ice hockey)|Pat Quinn]], who had 45 in the [[1998–99 NHL season|1998–99 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Craig Berube's First Season With the Maple Leafs a Record-Setting Campaign |url=https://www.mapleleafsdaily.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/craig-berube-first-season-with-the-maple-leafs-a-record-setting-campaign |access-date=April 25, 2025 |website=MapleLeafsDaily |date=April 15, 2025}}</ref> The Leafs defeated the Senators in a six-game series. As with the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Leafs faced the Florida Panthers in the second round of the playoffs. The Leafs' goaltender [[Anthony Stolarz]] was injured in game one and was replaced with [[Joseph Woll]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Masters |first=Mark |title=Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz exits Game 1 after hit to head |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6346419/2025/05/10/maple-leafs-anthony-stolarz-injury-panthers/ |access-date=May 12, 2025 |website=The Athletic |publisher=The New York Times |date=May 10, 2025}}</ref> Toronto subsequently lost the series to Florida in seven games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sachdeva |first1=Sonny |title=Maple Leafs' seven-minute collapse spirals into Game 7 disaster |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-seven-minute-collapse-spirals-into-game-7-disaster/ |website=Sportsnet.ca |access-date=May 19, 2025 |date=May 18, 2025}}</ref>

Shortly after the end of Toronto's 2025 playoffs, it announced that Shanahan would not return as team president and alternate governor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Godfrey |first1=Hayden |title=Maple Leafs part ways with president Brendan Shanahan |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/maple-leafs-part-ways-with-president-brendan-shanahan/article_cf7c957e-bb82-4ba9-a3e2-9fa9916d1f2c.html |website=Toronto Star |access-date=May 22, 2025 |date=May 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MLSE Announces Change to Toronto Maple Leaf Executive Leadership Team |url=https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/mlse-announces-change-to-toronto-maple-leaf-executive-leadership-team |website=NHL.com |access-date=May 22, 2025 |date=May 22, 2025}}</ref>