Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup Chase: The Brutal Length of an NHL Record Drought
In the storied annals of hockey, few teams carry the legacy and historical burden quite like the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is a franchise where legend and lore intertwine, creating a tapestry rich with triumph and heartache. Toronto’s name, synonymous with the pursuit of glory on ice, has seen a championship drought that spans over half a century, a poignant reminder of their storied past and the ever-present pressure to reclaim their former glory.
As the Leafs entered the heated 2025 NHL playoffs, the city’s pulse quickened with the anticipation of dethroning the ghost of that 57-year-old Stanley Cup drought; a specter that has haunted Toronto’s passionate fanbase. This playoff season, I found myself recalling my own early days as a sports scribe, chasing leads on the ice and in the locker rooms, where every story whispered of the Leafs’ unyielding legacy of winning.
In the regular season, the Leafs triumphed, winning the Atlantic Division with a stellar 108 points. It’s a feat they haven’t achieved since the days when CDs were novel, a testament to the team’s newfound determination. The first-round saw them facing their provincial rivals, the Ottawa Senators, reigniting the dormant “Battle of Ontario.” Two overtime victories later, and the Leafs were up 2-0, showcasing the tenacity of their stars, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, among others, in their quest to rewrite hockey history.
Would this be the year that the Maple Leafs finally bring the elusive Stanley Cup back to Toronto, sending a seismic shock of celebration through the city? The question isn’t just about hockey—it’s about legacy, redemption, and a city’s dream. Here’s a look at the Leafs’ Stanley Cup history and the endless pursuit to end that drought:
The Toronto Maple Leafs own the second-most Stanley Cup titles in NHL history. But it’s been over a half-century since their last championship triumph.
Toronto in the 2025 NHL playoffs is looking to snap the longest Stanley Cup drought of all time at 57 years.
The Maple Leafs this season won the Atlantic Division with 108 points, finishing atop their division in a full regular season for the first time since 1999-2000. That set up a first-round Battle of Ontario, with the Leafs and Ottawa Senators meeting in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Toronto took a 2-0 series lead over Ottawa on Tuesday with an overtime win.
So, will this finally be the year that the Leafs bring Lord Stanley back to Toronto? As Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Co. attempt to end the franchise’s championship drought, here’s a look at the Leafs’ Stanley Cup history:
When was the last time the Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup?
The Leafs’ most recent Stanley Cup championship came in the 1966-67 season.
What’s the longest Stanley Cup drought in NHL history?
Toronto’s current championship drought is the longest in NHL history. Failing to hoist the Cup this year would extend the title-less streak to 58 years.
The Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks both are mired in title droughts of 50-plus years, as well. Buffalo and Vancouver joined the NHL in the 1970-71 season and neither has won a Stanley Cup in the 54 years since. The Canucks have reached three Stanley Cup Finals (1982, 1994, 2011) and the Sabres have reached two (1975, 1999).
When was the last time the Maple Leafs made the Stanley Cup Final?
The Leafs’ 1966-67 championship campaign also stands as their last appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. That means the Original Six franchise hasn’t reached the Cup Final in the expansion era (since the 1967-68 season).
The Leafs last appeared in the conference final in the 2002 postseason.
How many Stanley Cup Finals have the Maple Leafs made?
Toronto has reached the Cup Final 21 times, trailing only the Montreal Canadiens (33 appearances) and Detroit Red Wings (24 appearances) for the most in NHL history.
How many Stanley Cups have the Maple Leafs won?
The Leafs were victorious in 13 of those 21 Cup Finals. Only the 23-time champion Canadiens have won more Stanley Cups than Toronto.
Here’s a full look at Toronto’s Stanley Cup Final history (years listed are when Cup Finals were played):
- 1967: Beat Montreal Canadiens
- 1964: Beat Detroit Red Wings
- 1963: Beat Detroit Red Wings
- 1962: Beat Chicago Blackhawks
- 1960: Lost to Montreal Canadiens
- 1959: Lost to Montreal Canadiens
- 1951: Beat Montreal Canadiens
- 1949: Beat Detroit Red Wings
- 1948: Beat Detroit Red Wings
- 1947: Beat Montreal Canadiens
- 1945: Beat Detroit Red Wings
- 1942: Beat Detroit Red Wings
- 1940: Lost to New York Rangers
- 1939: Lost to Boston Bruins
- 1938: Lost to Chicago Blackhawks
- 1936: Lost to Detroit Red Wings
- 1935: Lost to Montreal Maroons
- 1933: Lost to New York Rangers
- 1932: Beat New York Rangers
- 1922: Beat Vancouver Millionaires
- 1918: Beat Vancouver Millionaires
Who is the Maple Leafs’ head coach?
Craig Berube is in his first season as Toronto’s bench boss. The 59-year-old boasts nine years of NHL head coaching experience following previous stops with the Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues.
Berube coached the Blues to their first-ever Stanley Cup title in 2019.
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