2026 CONN SMYTHE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER
The storied Toronto Maple Leafs proudly have statues of 14 stars from yesteryear on Legends Row and forever commemorate the accomplishments for 19 players with permanently retired jerseys in the rafters at Scotiabank Arena.
Number 17 – Wendel Clark – is recognized in both categories. Now, Clark receives further well-deserved accolades from an organization he has long championed.
The Bruce Power and Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario milestone 75th Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner honours ultimate fan favourite Wendel with the 2026 Conn Smythe Lifetime Achievement Award for significant contributions to Canadian sports!
Clark is the 12th recipient of this distinguished tribute. The others: Cliff Fletcher (2016), Paul Beeston (2017), Paul Henderson (2018), Jerry Howarth (2019), Michael (Pinball) Clemons (2020), Wayne Gretzky (2021), Joe Carter (2022), Eric Lindros (2022), Marnie McBean (2023), Darryl Sittler (2024) and Cito Gaston (2025).
Among the most revered Maple Leafs of all time, Clark ended his 15-season NHL career as a member of the Blue and White in 2000. He wore NHL jerseys for the Maple Leafs (1985 to ’94; 1996 to ’98 and 2000), Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. Without doubt, he is best remembered for what he did with Toronto.
Clark, now 59, was born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan where he battered many a barn door en route to developing what would become one of the finest wrist shots ever displayed at all levels of his hockey journey. He was the No. 1 pick in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft out of the Saskatoon Blades completing a junior career that included Gold for Canada at the 1985 World Junior Championship.
He broke into the NHL with 34 and 37 goals over his first two seasons that also included 227 and 271 penalty minutes. His combative determination made him an instant hit with Leafs Nation and eventually made him a natural to captain the Leafs from 1991 to ’94.
For his career, 260 of his 330 NHL regular-season goals and 441 of his 564 regular-season points came with the Maple Leafs with whom he played 608 of his 793 regular-season games. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Clark’s tenure with the Maple Leafs included 1,535 penalty minutes during the regular season plus 185 penalty minutes in 79 playoff games. His postseason numbers were also impressive in that he supplied 34 goals and 27 assists for the Maple Leafs.
During his time with the Maple Leafs, Clark scored eight hat tricks during the regular season. His first occurred against the Rangers at Maple Leaf Gardens on February 25, 1986. He twice scored four goals in one game: At home against the Sabres on October 11, 1986 and once more at home versus the Oilers on November 9, 1996 when he had his last regular-season hat trick. Of his eight three-or-more goal games, four were at home, so he didn’t pick his spots.
Then, of course, he netted one extremely memorable hat trick in the playoffs – at Los Angeles on May 27, 1993, in Game 6 of the Conference Championship. It was an incredible, controversial contest that the Maple Leafs lost 5-4 in overtime.
He retired as a member of the Maple Leafs in an emotional news conference on June 29, 2000. Just over eight years later (on November 22, 2008), Clark and his family were at centre ice at Air Canada Centre for the honouring of his No. 17. Capping the touching ceremony, Clark told the
19,494 fans on hand – and the Hockey Night in Canada audience – “The three most favourite times of my life: Being drafted, being named captain and being able to be in the building forever up there with those great players.”
He then turned his attention to Leafs Nation.
“Finally, and most importantly, I thank you the fans of Toronto,” he said. “You’re the greatest fans in the world, the greatest place to play hockey. Thank you so much; thanks a lot.”
The mutual love affair between Clark and the fans extended well beyond his exploits as a player. That’s because Clark has been an exceptional ambassador for the Maple Leafs by wholeheartedly participating in numerous community endeavours. Easter Seals Kids have constantly seen smiling Wendel among their most fervent boosters from appearances at fundraising events, including skates with the Maple Leafs and the head table at our annual gala event. In fact, he served as Honourary Chair of the 2011 Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner.
Congratulations, Wendel … we salute and congratulate you on this richly deserved 2026 Conn Smythe Lifetime Achievement Award!