Wendel Clark has been there before.
The former Toronto Maple Leafs captain was the last player the organization took with the No. 1 overall pick and he is feeling nostalgic as Friday’s NHL Draft inches closer.
Clark can relate to what Auston Matthews, the consensus first overall pick, is going through and offered some advice to the U.S. forward should he end up being selected by the Maple Leafs.
“I’d say to focus on the simple stuff,” says Clark, who is promoting a Tylenol campaign to draw awareness about healthy living in your 50s. “Be a great teammate. You have the skill level, and the talent. You’re (going to be) drafted that high for a reason. Come in, be a great teammate. Worry about the on-ice stuff. As young players, we know the rink. We know it best. So stay true to yourself.”
During a phone interview with Sportsnet earlier this week, Clark also broke down the Maple Leafs’ off-season, the club’s recent moves, and his memories of the ’85 draft.
SPORTSNET.CA: Are you going to Buffalo for the draft?
CLARK: “I’m going to be at Real Sports (in Toronto). There’ll be a ton of energy.”
Have you gotten a chance to talk to Auston Matthews yet?
“Nope. He grew up in Phoenix and then played in Europe. This year has been a whirlwind for him.”
How do you view the re-making of the Leafs right now? Anyone jump out and catch your eye so far?
“A lot of guys looked great with the Marlies. They’re growing and becoming better players. Morgan Rielly looked good at the World Championship. He did very well and I’m hoping he continues to get better.”
There’s no captain on the team right now. Do you see a logical candidate and what does it take to be a great captain in a hockey market like Toronto?
“The captain will be who management decides. You don’t (want) to have to force anyone so they can handle it in the right away. The best captains: they don’t change who they are. Don’t change who you are. As a captain, you’ve been around a bit and have seen some things, especially in Toronto. The Leafs will make a wise choice. I’m sure there’s a few players in the running. But there’s a maturity to handle it. Don’t ask people to handle something that isn’t the norm. Leadership comes at the forefront in the room.
What did you make of the trade to acquire Frederik Andersen from Anaheim? How important is it to establish the position after you went through a revolving door of goalies before Cliff Fletcher stabilized the position?
“He is 26 years of age. The Leafs sought him out. He can be part of the leadership group and help build the team. He’s (the) ideal age. He’s not old, (but) he’s not young. If he plays well, he can really help out the defence. He can help them play smarter and play better in their own zone.”
Western Conference goalies have come to Toronto in recent years and struggled behind lesser defences. Should this be a concern?
“They have one year under Mike (Babcock). They know how Mike likes to play. That helps a goalie too. He’ll know the structure. He knows the high risk and low risk shots. That’ll help how they play. They’ll eliminate the high-risk plays. Mike does that (with goalies). It’s a very good time for a goalie or any player to come into the organization. From Brendan (Shanahan), to Lou (Lamoriello) to Mike.
How has the draft changed since 1985 when you were a top prospect?
“There’s always hype. The biggest thing (now) is that all the players know each other. Everyone is covered. Back then, you didn’t know everyone. It’s how the coverage is. Realistically, the game is still the same.
Toronto took you No. 1, but did you ever sit back and wonder how your career would’ve been different had you landed No. 2 with Pittsburgh and got to play with Mario Lemieux?
“Not really. You’re just dealt the cards. You just want a place to play when you’re young. You worry about the next season and that’s it.
Any special memories of Gordie Howe, considering you grew up out West?
“I met him when I got to the NHL. He was one of the greats of the game. All of us, we emulated him. Him and Jean Believeau.