7 best bromances on the Toronto Maple Leafs this season
The Toronto Maple Leafs (21-10-3) are second in the Atlantic Division with 43 points, and sparks of bromance are flying up and down Toronto’s lineup.
For those who don’t know, the bromance is an emotionally intense, platonic bond between two men, and these bonds are only getting stronger for the blue and white.
Listed below are Toronto’s best bromances of 2017.
1. Auston Matthews and Patrick Marleau
When the Leafs signed Patrick Marleau this offseason, he was expected to play on Auston Matthews’ left wing.
To date this hasn’t happened, but the 38-year-old Marleau has filled a different need for Toronto’s young superstar.
The two play Old Maid and watch questionable movies on the road (Cars 3?) and the chemistry shows on the ice.
Marleau may have been drafted before Matthews was born, but the two prove age is only a number.
An honourable mention in this bromance goes to Mitch Marner:
Patrick and his boys after dinner, before the epic mini stick battle. Ha ha for helping with our elf on a shelf @Marner93 @AM34 pic.twitter.com/SYA7n9tw8w
— Christina Marleau (@c_marleau) December 19, 2017
2. Mitch Marner and Matt Martin
Arguably the funniest bromance on Toronto’s roster, Mitch Marner and Matt Martin are inseparable.
When Marner was ‘demoted’ to the fourth line, Martin was right there to provide a necessary boost.
Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Matt Martin and Mitch Marner really like smelling salts. #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/o8uSTzMzlK
— Complete Hockey News (@CompleteHkyNews) October 19, 2017
But even after putting on a four-point clinic, Marner still managed to get chirped by his teammates given Tuesday’s 2 pm start.
Mitch Marner was getting chirped by teammates, according to Mike Babcock: “Mitchy, the first time you’re playing a game with all of your classmates here. Mitchy, the first time you’re not playing after your bed time.”
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 19, 2017
Even so, it’s always nice when the former NHL hits leader has your back.
3. Leo Komarov and Nazem Kadri
Out on the ice Leo Komarov and Nazem Kadri play a gritty game, and the two are known to chirp each other a lot.
Last month, in fact, head coach Mike Babcock had to stop practice to settle an ongoing debate (i.e. who is the faster skater). Komarov won, but Kadri says it would have been different if he had a puck on his stick.
And even in games, Babcock often plays the calm Marleau alongside Toronto’s most rowdy. What would they do without him?
Kadri warned Marleau about how he & Komarov have intense discussions on the bench in-games; Nazem says Patrick will be “mediator” on line
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 19, 2017
Still, the two really are best friends despite the chirping and other contests in question.
Nothing like some internal competition to keep you on your game.
4. Kasperi Kapanen and William Nylander
Two elite European talents, Kasperi Kapanen and William Nylander have been close for a while.
Each is a 2014 first rounder, and the two spent time on the Toronto Marlies together before making the jump to the big club.
This is a video of Kapanen interviewing Nylander at the very start of their professional careers (spoiler alert, there are more incoming chirps).
But if there’s one thing Kapanen can’t chirp his friend about, it’s that incredible Swedish hair on full display whenever Nylander nets one for the highlight reel.
William Nylander snaps one top shelf to extend the #Leafs lead to 7-1. 5:55 to go in the third. pic.twitter.com/U3mq7xGbPr
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) December 19, 2017
Safe to say their bromance is real, as evidenced by this Valentine’s Day shoutout.
How special is that?
5. James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak
On such a young team, it’s only natural two of the top veterans form a unique bond. James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak are playing their sixth season together with the Leafs, so it’s understandable Babcock has kept them on the same line.
Toronto tends to win hockey games when this line clicks, and there have been lots of reasons to celebrate both on and off the ice this season.
Both are on expiring contracts, so it will be interesting to see how management handles this situation leading up to the February 26 trade deadline. Toronto would certainly miss those Bozie/JVR tap-ins.
But if they really have to be traded, general manager Lou Lamoriello and company should try and deal them to the same team. Considering they swapped birthday posts, how could you possibly break up a bromance like that?
6. Lou Lamoriello and Lou Lamoriello
Lou Lamoriello doesn’t worry about the future, and he doesn’t show much emotion in the present moment, either.
He lurks in the press box, makes one loophole deal after another (i.e. “loophole Lou”) and everyone is usually left dumbfounded.
But while Lamoriello loves his team, he isn’t distracted by bromance. He’s all business, and we need to let him lurk in the shadows (in Lou we trust).
7. Mike Babcock and Leafs Nation
This has to be one of the most iconic bromances in the NHL. Mike Babcock is a leader who strives for excellence every day, and his players, opponents, and fans all respect him for it.
After all, did you know they sell “Babsocks?” They’re a real thing, and if you pull them up high enough, owners say he might actually crack a smile.
Every time I cross paths with the @Babsocks gang (they’ve got a sweet booth going at Nathan Phillips Square this month) they get a little closer to monopolizing my sock drawer. Nice to finally have the full set! pic.twitter.com/V37m02uiMr
— Jeff Veillette (@JeffVeillette) December 13, 2017
He’s also very animated behind the bench, which is amazing because Toronto has waited too long for a coach who knows this team can win.
Mike Babcock might be a little mad. pic.twitter.com/zLy85kGDJv
— Sons of Penn (@SonsofPenn) December 13, 2017
How could you not love a coach who loves this city and his team?
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