Controversial Maple Leafs 'Mount Rushmore' Not Sitting Well With Fans

As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, it's a fitting time to reflect on each franchise's top players of the past quarter century (2000-2025) -- their own so-called "Mount Rushmore."

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the chosen four were Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, Morgan Rielly, and the controversial Mitch Marner.

As per B/R Open Ice on X:

Two of the picks are undisputed: Mats Sundin and Auston Matthews.

Sundin is widely regarded as the greatest Maple Leafs captain in history. Over his 14-year career with Toronto, he wore the "C" for 11 seasons. Strong, dependable, and armed with a rocket shot, Sundin embodied leadership both on and off the ice.

Auston Matthews' career has been nothing short of spectacular. Often described as the most skilled player ever to wear the Leafs crest, he has already surpassed 400 goals by age 27. His resume includes a Calder Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, Hart Trophy, and three Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies. Matthews is widely recognized as the premier goal scorer of his generation.

The inclusion of Mitch Marner, however, could not come at a more contentious moment. His departure to the Vegas Golden Knights has stirred considerable backlash from fans.

The selection of Morgan Rielly may be the most debatable of all. While Rielly has likely been the Leafs' best defenseman during his tenure, it is often seen as a result of the organization's lack of elite defensive options rather than his own dominance.

If the idea was to include a defenseman, excluding Thomas Kaberle, who spent 12 years in Toronto and was known for his exceptional passing and hockey IQ, feels like a missed opportunity. Kaberle arguably remains the last true No. 1 defensemen the Leafs have had in over two decades.

Lists like these will never please every hockey fan, but in the case of Toronto's selections, the controversy feels amplified. Between Marner's contentious exit and Rielly's selection over Kaberle, this Mount Rushmore seems like a missed attempt.