Maple Leafs’ Forgotten Ones: Jeff Finger
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The Hockey Writers
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Jeff Finger, a former defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, remains a curious figure in the team's history. Signed in 2008 to a four-year, $14 million deal, Finger was expected to bolster the blue line, but his time in Toronto was far from impactful. Despite high hopes after his stint with the Colorado Avalanche, where he showcased his potential, Finger struggled to find his footing in Toronto, causing many fans to question the signing.
His tenure with the Maple Leafs was marred by inconsistency and a lack of playing time, ultimately leading to his demotion to the AHL. This decision did not sit well with the Toronto faithful, who had anticipated a defensively solid player. Finger's struggles on the ice were compounded by the pressure of a big contract, highlighting the challenges faced by players in the Toronto market.
In retrospect, Jeff Finger's story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of player performance and contract decisions in the NHL. While he returned to the league briefly with the Florida Panthers, his legacy in Toronto is more about unfulfilled potential than success. Fans often reflect on what could have been, as Finger remains one of the more interesting 'forgotten' players among the franchise's history.
His tenure with the Maple Leafs was marred by inconsistency and a lack of playing time, ultimately leading to his demotion to the AHL. This decision did not sit well with the Toronto faithful, who had anticipated a defensively solid player. Finger's struggles on the ice were compounded by the pressure of a big contract, highlighting the challenges faced by players in the Toronto market.
In retrospect, Jeff Finger's story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of player performance and contract decisions in the NHL. While he returned to the league briefly with the Florida Panthers, his legacy in Toronto is more about unfulfilled potential than success. Fans often reflect on what could have been, as Finger remains one of the more interesting 'forgotten' players among the franchise's history.