Former Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender Passes Away at 77

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
July 16, 2025  (5:07 PM)

Goaltender Wayne Thomas during a game with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Photo credit: Vintage NHL Goalies/Facebook

Wayne Thomas, who played with the Toronto Maple Leafs back in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer

Thomas had spent several years within the ranks of the San Jose Sharks‘ head office after retiring from an eight-year career as an NHL goaltender. The team says the native of Ottawa, Ontario was 77 at the time of his death.”It is with extreme sadness that the San Jose Sharks organization shares that long-time executive, goaltending coach and eight-year NHL veteran Wayne Thomas has passed away following a long battle with cancer.

Wayne passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family.”

Wayne Thomas, Former Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender, Dead at 77

However, he was traded back to Toronto in 1975 and suited up for 97 games in the Maple Leafs net over the course of the next two seasons. Then, the emergence of netminder Mike Palmateer caused the Maple Leafs to trade Thomas to the New York Rangers, where he would end his career after another four seasons. His tenure with the Leafs saw him play alongside legends like Darryl Sittler, Lanny McDonald, and Borje Salming.

Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Wayne Thomas.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

MAPLELEAFSDAILY.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  –  POLICIES