Posted on 8th Dec 2011 @ 3:15 PM

Doug Gilmour was in my mind the greatest Maple Leaf of the past 30 years because of one thing- his grit.  Doug had to work very hard to get noticed while playing Major Junior hockey just to get a glimpse from an NHL scout.  Doug , due to his size was drafted in the 7th round of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft, 134th overall by the St. louis Blues. This after scoring 119 points in 67 games while playing with Cornwall of the OHL. The following season in Cornwall he was league MVP after scoring 177 points in only 68 games. Doug then had three soild seasons in St. Louis before being traded to Calgary where he helped lead them to a Stanley Cup before being traded to Toronto in a very lopsided trade.

His two most memorable seasons were with the Leafs where he strapped the entire Leaf team and City of Toronto on his back in a quest for the Stanley Cup . In 1992-93 he was nominated for the Hart trophy as League MVP only to lose to Mario Lemieux. During that year he set Maple Leafs' team records for most points in a season (127) and most assists in a season (95) while winning thw Frank Selke Trophy for the league's top defensive forward. In the playoffs he was like a true tiger and he scored 35 points in 21 games. I will forever remember his gaunt, bloodied face, complete with two black eyes as he answered questions while being interviewed before, during and after games. Yes number 93 was a great player  and in 2011 he received his deserved call to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Sure there may hav been more talented players but in my estimation there was never one as gritty.

Retromedia is pleased to offer a beautiful signed Doug Gilmour puck with the inscription Go Leafs Go ! This item comes with a hologram and COA from Stevie Y Authentics. Buy it now while you still can !