This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/20/2024
Ian Turnbull was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1972, 1st round, 15th overall. He and Börje Salming combined to make one of the best 1–2 defensive punches in Toronto Maple Leafs history during the 1970s. In 1976–77, he and defense partner Borje Salming enjoyed a remarkable year. Turnbull put up 79 points, still a franchise record for a blue–liner, and Salming had 78. On Feb. 2 of that season, against Detroit at Maple Leaf Gardens, Ian erupted for five goals on as many shots. Nearly 44 years later, the single–game standard has survived.
This Turnbull Maple Leafs game used jersey is very rare being the only example we have ever seen. This particular all original gamer from the rough and tumble defenceman, is of the Sandow mesh variety and were only used during the 1979 playoffs and into the 1980-81 regular season. The fact that the blue accent colour bled over the white body of the jersey made these home white jerseys a short-lived experiment for the Leafs. The photos show this exact type of issue with the blue staining through out after several washings. All the identifiers are very soft and also show signs of many washings, to go along with some loose threads. The front has unrepaired holes with stick marks on the upper left shoulder. Darkening of all the white mesh with the bottom white hem and cuffs, very dirty from general wear. Typical Maple Leafs fight strap is sewn in and shows signs of being secured to Turnbull's equipment with loose threads and fraying. Sandow extra large tagging intact in the collar. This was the only time the Maple Leafs used a mesh type of jersey and as such, have become highly coveted over the years with Leaf and vintage collectors alike. An impossible Turnbull jersey to find to go along with this rare style, make this one very desirable gamer for any collection.
Ian Turnbull career spanned ten seasons in the NHL, he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Turnbull played 628 career games, scoring 123 goals and 317 assists and 736 penalty minutes.