Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle recently reflected on his time playing with Alexander Mogilny. He praised his former teammate and described him as an unbelievable player, acknowledging his his skill. His praise also sheds light on the Maple Leafs roster from the early 2000s.
They played together for three seasons between 2001 and 2004. Mogilny joined the Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2001 after a strong run with the New Jersey Devils, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2000. The Russian winger brought scoring and a Stanley Cup pedigree to a talented Leafs roster hoping to reach the finals.
During an appearance on The Leafs Nation’s Leafs Morning Take, Kaberle spoke with genuine respect for his former teammate. He highlighted Mogilny’s calm nature and described him as an easy-going person who never demanded extra attention.
Kaberle emphasized that the newly inducted Hockey Hall of Famer had an ability to change the game.
“[Mogilny’s] a very quiet guy. He just shows up to work and does his job. “I think he’s one of the most skilled guys I played with, if not one of the top three,”
Kaberle recalled a memorable moment that captured Mogilny’s confidence and natural talent. The Russian winger once used a brand new pair of skates for the first time on a game day. Without hesitation, he finished the night with a few points on the scoresheet.
“[Mogilny] shows up and there’s brand new skates on the floor. He said, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll try these.’ It’s a game day,” Kaberle said. “He had two assist, maybe a goal. It doesn’t matter what he put on. That skill, it was unbelievable. I’m glad I played with him.”
Tomas Kaberle Discusses Alexander Mogliny’s Mentality
Tomas Kaberle also revealed what Alexander Mogilny‘s mentality and approach to preparation.
Kaberle described Mogilny as an old-school player. The former Leafs defenseman said the Russian understood his capability on the ice. He did not obsess over routines or drills and trusted his instincts.
Kaberle admired that mindset and said Mogilny was a great teammate both on and off the ice.
“[Mogilny was an] old-school guy. You don’t see much workout,” Kaberle told Leafs Morning Take. “He’ll have a coffee and he’ll put on the jersey, and he’ll show you how it’s done, how hockey’s played. Like I said, he was a great guy on the ice and off the ice as well.”
Did Mogilny Ever Lead the Maple Leafs in Scoring?
Mogilny’s delivered strong results during his time with the Maple Leafs. He led the team in scoring during the 2002-03 NHL season, which featured a veteran-heavy roster.
Mogilny recorded 33 goals and added 46 assists for a total of 79 points in 73 games. Only captain Mats Sundin produced at a similar pace. Their combined scoring created stability for a team that relied on efficient offense.
That season marked the final time Mogilny played more than 70 games. Injuries limited him afterward, and he played only 37 games for the Leafs the following season.
Mogilny then returned to the Devils for the 2005-06 season. However, he played in just 37 games before being sent down to their AHL affiliate.
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