Noted for captaining the Toronto Maple Leafs and holding the franchise's goal-scoring record, this hockey legend also coached in the NHL and minor leagues.
Rick Vaive is renowned for being the first player in Toronto Maple Leafs history to score 50 goals in a season, a feat he accomplished in the 1981-1982 season. This achievement not only earned him a special place in the hearts of Leafs fans but also cemented his status as one of the most prolific goal-scorers of his time.
Born on May 14, 1959, in Ottawa, Ontario, Vaive grew up in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, where he developed a passion for hockey. He played minor hockey in Amherst, Nova Scotia, and later joined the Sherbrooke Castors in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he honed his skills and prepared for a professional career.
Vaive began his professional career in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Birmingham Bulls in 1978-1979. As an underage free agent, he was part of the "Baby Bulls" contingent, which included notable players like Michel Goulet, Craig Hartsburg, and Keith Crowder. Following the NHL-WHA merger, Vaive was selected fifth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft.
In 1980, the Canucks traded Vaive, along with Bill Derlago, to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Dave "Tiger" Williams and Jerry Butler. This trade would prove to be a turning point in Vaive's career, as he formed a potent scoring line with Derlago and Pat Hickey.
Vaive's impressive scoring record and leadership on the ice left a lasting impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. His achievement of scoring 50 goals in a season inspired a generation of players and set a benchmark for future stars like Auston Matthews, who eventually broke his record in 2021-2022.
Off the ice, Vaive's charisma and personality made him a fan favorite, earning him a special place in the hearts of Leafs fans. His contributions to the team and the sport as a whole have cemented his status as one of the most beloved and respected players in NHL history.
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