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In March 1957, Smythe became chairman of a seven-person committee known as the "Silver Seven" appointed by his father to run hockey operations for the Leafs.January 4: On this day in 1971, a single signature changed the course of Leaf history. The son of Maple Leafs founder Conn Smythe, Stafford, and pal Harold Ballard had gained complete control of Maple Leaf Gardens and the team. Ballard had drawn up a will for Stafford to sign including a clause that allowed Ballard the option to buy all of Stafford's shares upon his death. After once again having consumed way too much to drink, Stafford signed the document. A few months later, Stafford died and Ballard exercised his option. Harold Ballard successfully wrested control of the Leafs and MLG from the Smythe family.
First Swede to make a name for himself in the NHLJanuary 4: On this day in 1988, Leaf defenseman Borje Salming played his 1000th NHL regular season game, all with the Leafs. He had one assist in the game. Salming is one of only five players who have played 1000 games in a Leaf uniform. Salming was the first European-trained player to play 1000 games in the NHL. He holds the Maple Leaf team record for most career assists with 620. On the night of February 7th, 1976 when teammate Darryl Sittler recorded 10 points in one game, Salming had two goals and two assists (seen below). He was a 2nd team All-Star 5 times and a first team All-Star in 1977. His jersey number 21 is a Leaf honored number. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.
January 4: On this day in 1988, the Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks engaged in a regulation time shootout. The 7-7 final score equaled a Leaf team record for the highest number of goals in a tie score game. As at the end of the 2007-08 season, the Leafs have an all-time even record against the Canucks of W-52, L-52, T-22, OL-0 in the 126 times the two teams have met since the Canucks entered the NHL in 1970. The clubs have only met once in the playoffs, the 1994 Conference Finals which the Canucks won in 5 games.
