Doug Gilmour Marks 31 Years as Former Maple Leafs Captain: A Look Back at NHL History

Former Toronto Maple Leafs center, Doug Gilmour, who played for seven National Hockey League (NHL) teams during his career, recently marked the 31st anniversary of being announced as the franchise captain. Known as “Killer” due to a resemblance to serial killer Charlie Manson, Gilmour is remembered fondly by fans for his leadership and strength on the ice.

Responding to a tweet in which Gilmour shared the sentiment on the honor being one of the biggest days of his career, fans recalled his career and the impact he had made on the Maple Leafs. One fan reminisced about it being one of the best days in Leafs’ history while others praised him as the best Captain the Leafs had ever had.

In the 1993 playoffs, the LA Kings, led by Wayne Gretzky, eliminated the Toronto Maple Leafs in a controversial match that saw Gilmour fall to Gretzky’s ‘high stick’. Kerry Fraser, the NHL referee at that time, later confessed that Gretzky’s ‘high stick’ should’ve resulted in a penalty. Nonetheless, Gilmour was commemorated franchise captain in the following season and continues to celebrate the anniversary of this milestone.

Gilmour’s successful 1992-1993 season included accolades such as the 1993 All-Star Game, NHL’s top defensive forward, and the Frank J. Selke Trophy. He remains a beloved figure in the Maple Leafs’ history and among fans of the game.