Rick Vaive's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted fifth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Vaive quickly demonstrated his scoring ability and knack for finding the back of the net. His tenure with the Canucks, however, was short-lived. After just one season, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a deal that would become a turning point in his career.
In Toronto, Vaive truly came into his own as a player. During the 1981-82 season, he became the first player in Maple Leafs history to score 50 goals in a single season, finishing with 54 goals. This achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable period for Vaive, as he went on to score 50 or more goals in each of the next two seasons. His scoring prowess made him a fan favorite and a central figure in the Maple Leafs' offensive lineup.
Vaive served as the captain of the Maple Leafs from 1982 to 1986, a testament to his leadership qualities and the respect he commanded in the locker room. Despite the team's struggles during this era, his individual performances were consistently strong, and he remained a reliable goal scorer throughout his time in Toronto.
In 1987, Vaive was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he continued to be a productive player. Although his goal-scoring numbers dipped slightly compared to his peak years in Toronto, he still managed to contribute significantly to the Blackhawks' offense. After two seasons in Chicago, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he played the final three seasons of his NHL career.
Throughout his time in the league, Vaive was known for his powerful shot and ability to score from almost anywhere on the ice. His career totals include 441 goals and 347 assists for 788 points in 876 regular-season games. Despite never winning a Stanley Cup, his individual achievements and scoring records, particularly with the Maple Leafs, have left a lasting legacy in the hockey world.
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