Sad news out of Leafs land this morning, as one the most beloved ambassadors of the Toronto Maple Leafs passes away. Eddie Shack has passed away at the age of 83.

Nothing speaks to the player more than the song written about him. While Eddie Shack was a player that always belonged to my father more than to me, my father would often speak to Shack’s hard working nature, his love of the game, and the fact that he was a guy who would show up every night. He would be the Leafs deterrent to teams like the Big Bad Bruins, and Broad Street Bullies, and that only added to his legend.

A four time Stanley Cup Champion, including a cup winning goal to his name, a three time All-Star, and despite scoring 20 or more goals for five different teams, it’s hard to imagine Shack as anything but a Maple Leaf, and that’s partially why the Maple Leafs recognized him as the 68th Greatest Maple Leaf of all-time in their centennial season.

On behalf of everyone at The Leafs Nation, our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Eddie Shack. A true Leafs legend, ambassador for the team and sport, and one of hockey’s greatest characters.