A Leafs fan's guide for who to cheer for in the rest of the Stanley Cup playoffs

It's tradition at this point to be upset after the Leafs are eliminated from the playoffs. Looking forward to next season, but I one day dream that I won't have to write an article like this ever again. That being said, there are many former Leafs that Leafs Nation can get behind as the Stanley Cup Playoffs go on.

ZACH HYMAN:

Toronto loves their gritty hockey players who work their tails off and Zach Hyman was no exception. Spending 6 years in Toronto, Hyman always gave it 110% and was a staple in the team's top 6. He's performed well in the playoffs for the Oilers and despite the rivalry between Oilers fans and Leafs fans, I don't think much of Leafs Nation would be upset seeing Hyman get a ring.

NAZEM KADRI:


A fan favourite in Toronto who was traded after two suspensions in the playoffs, Kadri has been electric for the Avs. A pending UFA on an all-in Avs team who will get paid this summer - a cup on Kadri's resume would get him an even bigger pay day. He's still a fan favourite in Toronto and is deserving of a Cup at some point.

JOE THORNTON:

He's a healthy scratch for the Panthers but he's also one of the all time greats who hasn't won a Cup. He's done everything from winning Olympic gold, World Championships, Hart Trophies but there's on thing missing on his Hall of Fame resume, a Stanley Cup. I can't see myself rooting for the Panthers but I'll always root for Jumbo Joe.

FREDERIK ANDERSEN:

The former Leafs goalie had a career resurgence with the Hurricanes this season. Despite "Steady Freddy" being injured, the Hurricanes knocked off the Bruins in round 1 and Andersen should return from injury soon. His time in Toronto ended in a sour manner but he backstopped the Leafs early in the Matthews-era and could now finally be going on a deep playoff run.

TYLER BOZAK:

Bozak won a Stanley Cup since signing with the Blues but perhaps he ties his former line mate, Phil Kessel and becomes a two time Stanley Cup Champion. Bozak fell victim to being forced to play a higher role than he should have in Toronto. Despite his flaws, he's arguably the best undrafted free agent signing in franchise history and will always hold a special place in the hearts of many Leaf fans.

There's a lot of good players to cheer for going forward in the playoffs. Hopefully next year we cheer on some current Leafs well into late spring and early summer.