Over the past 10 years, hockey has become a faster, stronger, more skilled and more exciting global game, with countless new superstars emerging. As the decade wraps up with the clock striking midnight on Dec. 31, it's time to look back on the players who dominated the 2010s for the NHL's seven Canadian teams.
So, before we sing "Auld Lang Syne" and ring in a new year — and a new chapter in hockey — let's take a look at Sporting News' Toronto Maple Leafs all-decade team.
(All stats are through games played on Dec. 22.)
All-Decade Teams: Calgary Flames | Edmonton Oilers | Montreal Canadiens | Ottawa Senators | Vancouver Canucks | Winnipeg Jets
Forward: Mitchell Marner
Why he's here: Marner has 254 points in 267 regular season games and has made the playoffs in each of his three seasons with the team. In 2018-19, the right winger put up 94 points, the highest single-season output of the decade.
By the numbers: NHL All-Rookie Team.
Forward: Auston Matthews
Why he's here: Matthews represents the number one center the Maple Leafs had been searching for since Mats Sundin left the team in 2008. The 2017 Calder Trophy winner scored 40 goals in his rookie season and has the fifth most goals during the decade with 134 in 249 games — two behind Tyler Bozak.
By the numbers: Three NHL All-Star Games. Calder Trophy. NHL All-Rookie Team.
Forward: James van Riemsdyk
Why he's here: Van Riemsdyk ranks third on the Maple Leafs in goals in the past decade with 154 in 413 regular season games. The left winger was a part of the lean years and helped lead the team back to the playoffs in 2016-17 and 2017-18 before signing a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2018.
By the numbers: Named to Toronto's "The One Hundred" (No. 100) in 2016-17.
Defense: Jake Gardiner
Why he's here: Gardiner was a polarizing figure during his time with the team but was largely underrated for what he brought on a game to game basis. He led all defensemen in games played with 551 and was second in points with 245 (45 goals and 200 assists).
By the numbers: NHL All-Rookie Team.
The 2010s: Crosby named NHL Athlete of the Decade | NHL All-Decade Team
Defense: Morgan Rielly
Why he's here: In 2018-19, Rielly had 72 points — the single-season high among defensemen in the last 10 years. Over the decade, Rielly led all Maple Leafs defensemen in scoring with 267 points (54 goals and 213 assists) and was second among defensemen in games played with 507. He also sits in second place among defensemen with 86 power-play points, two shy of the leader, Dion Phaneuf.
Goaltender: Frederik Andersen
Why he's here: Andersen provided the stability in goal that the Maple Leafs had been searching for since the departure of Ed Belfour. He led the team in games played with 221 and wins with 125 — 40 more than the second-place goalie, James Reimer.
By the numbers: Two Molson Cup Awards.
Coach: Mike Babcock
Why he's here: Under Babcock, the Maple Leafs returned to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in an 82-game season since 2004 in 2016-17. It was Babcock’s second season behind the Maple Leafs bench and a year removed from Toronto finishing 30th in the NHL. Toronto went on to make the playoffs in three straight seasons before Babcock was fired in his fifth season on the job.
By the numbers: Jack Adams Award finalist.