2015–16 Toronto Maple Leafs season
| 2015–16 Toronto Maple Leafs | |
|---|---|
| Division | 8th Atlantic |
| Conference | 16th Eastern |
| 2015–16 record | 29–42–11 |
| Home record | 14–18–9 |
| Road record | 15–24–2 |
| Goals for | 198 |
| Goals against | 246 |
| Team information | |
| General Manager | Lou Lamoriello |
| Coach | Mike Babcock |
| Captain |
Dion Phaneuf (Oct–Feb) Vacant (Feb–Apr) |
| Alternate captains |
Tyler Bozak Matt Hunwick Leo Komarov (Feb-Apr) |
| Arena | Air Canada Centre |
| Minor league affiliate(s) |
Toronto Marlies (AHL) Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) |
| Team leaders | |
| Goals | P. A. Parenteau (20) |
| Assists | Nazem Kadri (28) |
| Points | Nazem Kadri (45) |
| Penalties in minutes | Nazem Kadri (73) |
| Plus/minus |
(+): Roman Polak (+8) (–): Matt Hunwick Morgan Rielly (–17) |
| Wins | Jonathan Bernier (12) |
| Goals against average | Jonathan Bernier (2.88) |
The 2015–16 Toronto Maple Leafs season was the 99th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on November 22, 1917. The season officially began its regular games on October 7, 2015, with a 3–1 loss against the Montreal Canadiens.
Despite stretches of strong play, with the Maple Leafs at one point being within a few points of a playoff spot, it was the worst season in team history, having broken the franchise record for most losses in a season with 53 (the previous record was 52 in 1984–85). However, it is important to note the previous record was set when there were only 80 games per season (two have since been added, bringing the total games played yearly to 82 per team). Additionally, the Maple Leafs finished last overall in the NHL standings for the first time since the 1984-85 season. On April 30, 2016, it was announced that the Leafs had won the draft lottery, and would receive the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.Auston Matthews was subsequently selected first overall.
On July 1, 2015, the Maple Leafs were part of a blockbuster, multi-player deal that centred on Phil Kessel moving to the Pittsburgh Penguins, with one of the key pieces for Toronto being prospect Kasperi Kapanen. Kessel would be a central piece in the Penguins' Stanley Cup win later that season. Months later, another significant trade occurred with captain Dion Phaneuf plus four other players traded to Ottawa Senators in exchange for four players plus a second round draft pick in 2017. A trade like this was seen as substantial due to the divisional Battle of Ontario rivalry and the NHL salary cap, which typically prevents more than a few players from moving at once.
...
Wikipedia