Mitch Marner one of many ex-Maple Leafs with another chance

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For those keeping track, Canadian quarterfinal hero Mich Marner ranks fifth in Maple Leaf franchise playoff points with 63 in 70 games, more than team greats George Armstrong, Frank Mahovlich and Red Kelly.

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You might also remember him from the 4 Nations Face-Off winning goal set-up.

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Not quite as invisible as claimed when games matter most, though beating Czechia in the open ice of 3-on-3 Olympics is far from an NHL post-season — especially Games 4 to 7, when the now-departed Marner was boxed in with a few other Leafs yet to see the third round.

While that debate rages anew, here are a few other examples of ex-Toronto players and personnel getting to the winner’s circle on big stages as part of second-chance teams:

Frank Mahovlich, 1971 and ‘73 Stanley Cups

The Big M was always at big odds with Leafs boss Punch Imlach, part of a trade to Detroit that ended Toronto’s 1960’s dynasty. The Canadiens embraced him as part of their lore.

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Gary Leeman, 1993 Stanley Cup

After enduring the Ballard circus in the 1980s, he was sent to Calgary in the 10-player Doug Gilmour swap. The one-time 50-goal scorer might have come full circle to play Toronto in the ‘93 final, but his 11 playoff games that spring put his name on the Cup.

Larry Murphy, 1997, ‘98 Stanley Cup

Booed out of town, he was mercifully dealt right at the trade deadline to Detroit for future considerations that may or may not have been a vintage red wine. The defenceman immediately added two Cups to his four in a Hall of Fame career.

Nazem Kadri, 2022 Stanley Cup

“For everyone that thought I was a liability in playoffs, you can kiss my ass.”

Kadri’s colourful quote after he lifted the trophy with Colorado still rings in the ears of that portion of Leafs Nation who thought Kadri’s passion was misplaced with costly suspensions that eventually led to his trade.

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Tyler Bozak, 2019 Stanley Cup

His credentials as a No. 1 centre often were questioned in Toronto, but found the right role with current Leafs coach Craig Berube in St. Louis.

Phil Kessel, 2016 and ’17 Stanley Cups

From six-time Leafs scoring ace, mis-cast as a team leader, Kessel found his desired low-key identity with Pittsburgh. With his tag as difficult to coach, few in town thought they’d miss him when the rebuild began with Mike Babcock behind the bench.

But Babs went bust, too, while Kessel was happy to play in Sidney Crosby’s shadow and added another Cup as a bit player for the Golden Knights.

Leo Komarov, 2022 Olympics

In 2018, the $77-million signing of John Tavares meant no money for UFAs such as popular ‘Uncle Leo.’ Komarov played every game the next season with the Islanders to begin a four-year deal, eventually returning to Finland as part of its defensive wall in a 2-1 gold-medal win over Russia in Beijing.

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Sid Smith 1958 World Championship

The Toronto native and brief Leafs captain was placed on waivers in November 1957 and became playing coach of the Whitby Dunlops the same day. Reinstated as an amateur, the oldest forward on the ‘Dunnies’ helped them to a 7-0 tourney, beating Russia in the final.

Cory Cross, 2003 World Championship

After three years on the Leafs blueline, the conservative Cross was an Oiler when Canada defeated Sweden for the gold.

Kenny Jonsson, 2006 World Championship

The former Leafs first rounder was part of the package to retrieve Wendel Clark from the Isles, including the pick that turned into Roberto Luongo. Jonsson became New York’s captain and, in this event, ended Sweden’s eight-year drought.

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Staffan Kronwall, 2013 World Championship

Eleven years after being picked 285th overall, the lowest-drafted Leaf ever to play for the team, Niklas’ blueline brother played 10 games for the victorious Swedes.

Connor Brown, 2021 World Championship

Coming out of a COVID-19 postponement of international events, Brown had a team-high16 points for Canada after an earlier trade to Ottawa. It was the only one of three straight Canada-Finland showdowns the Red and White prevailed.

Coaches

Dick Irvin Sr., 1944, ‘46 and ‘53 Stanley Cups

He supervised the first Cup winner at the new Gardens his first year, but gradually fell out with manager Conn Smythe and thrived with the rival Habs.

Billy Reay, 1961 Stanley Cup

Replaced by GM mlach early in the 1958-59 season, Reay had the satisfaction of a Cup  in Chicago before Leafs won three straight.

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Pat Burns, 2003 Stanley Cup

No Leafs coach has come closer to breaking the 58-year Cup jinx, a win away from the ‘93 final and returning to the conference championship the next year. But after losing the room and his stint with the Bruins, New Jersey is where he attained his Cup dream.

Paul Maurice, 2024 and ‘25 Stanley Cups

Between gigs with Carolina, Maurice coached Toronto’s AHL farm team, leading to two years with the Leafs. New GM Brian Burke preferred pal Ron Wilson, but Maurice stayed in the game to become one of its most decorated coaches — and beat the Leafs in two series.

lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby

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