Three-time Stanley Cup Champion Reveals How Close He Was To Becoming A Toronto Maple Leaf

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Tyler Ball
December 22, 2023 (4:23 PM)

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Recently a 3-time Stanley Cup champion revealed the story of how he almost became a Toronto Maple Leaf.

Three-Time Stanley Cup Champion Almost Became A Maple Leaf

In a recent podcast appearance, former NHLer Justin Williams spoke about his experience in free agency. At one point he mentioned that he had discussions about playing with the Maple Leafs.

"Right when I semi-retired a little bit, I had thought about it. We had discussions. It just didn't happen," Williams told Bunkis.

Williams would have been an incredible boost to an at the time young Maple Leafs team with little playoff experience. However, it was not meant to be. Williams stayed retired and did not fulfill something that he says he still regrets to this day.

Williams Shares Something He Missed Out On In His Illustrious Career

During the interview Williams continued talking about how he never played for a Canadian organization. He points to this as something he wishes he would've done.

"There's discussions all the time that happen and it just didn't come to fruition and that's fine. I don't look back with any regrets, but playing for a Canadian team would've been nice."

While Williams did not end up playing in Canada it seems his decisions were logical ones. He ended up with 3 Stanley Cup championships, 797 points, and 1264 regular season games played.

As Read On - The Hockey News - 'We Had Discussions': Justin Williams Reveals How Close He Was to Joining the Maple Leafs