Mazden Leslie Excited For Potential Long WHL Playoff Run With The Vancouver Giants
Mazden Leslie of the Vancouver Giants (Photo Credit: Rob Wilton/Vancouver Giants)Mazden Leslie has spent his entire WHL career with the Vancouver Giants. Initially selected 10th overall in 2020, the right-shot defenceman has played 273 games, which is tied for the seventh-most in franchise history. With seven regular season games remaining, Leslie's focus has turned to the playoffs, with the goal of going on a long postseason run.
Over his 273 career regular season games, Leslie has racked up 184 points. His impressive total ranks second all-time in franchise history behind that of Jonathan Blum, who recorded 204 points during his Giants career. When asked about his position on the all-time list, Leslie felt honoured to be mentioned alongside some of the best to ever suit up on the blue line for Vancouver.
"It's crazy," said Leslie. "I mean, there's always been some really good D-men who have played here. Guys who played here for a long time, too, like Jonathan Blum. So I think it's cool being up there with those guys. Obviously, those guys are great players, so it's cool to be just in the conversation with those guys."
This season, Leslie also became the franchise's all-time leader in goals. He is the only Giants defenceman to eclipse the 50-goal mark and currently sits with 55 in his WHL career. While Leslie is proud of his record, his focus remains on the team and doing whatever it takes to help Vancouver be successful.
"Obviously, you always want to score and get points to help the team win. So I think that's the main thing with it. If you're doing that, it's good. Those kinds of things are going to happen. So I think that's the main part. Just focus on helping the team."
The 2024-25 campaign provided Leslie with a new challenge as he was named captain of the Giants. In wearing the "C," he joined a special list, which includes Craig Cunningham, Lance Bouma, Brendan Gallagher and Blum. When asked about the captaincy, Leslie felt honoured, especially considering some of the players who have worn the "C" before him.
"Yeah, it's cool. Played for some really good captains during my time here. I mean, started off with Alex Kannok-Leipert in the bubble and actually lived with him there. I think even getting that experience way back then, five years ago, I think that was huge. Guys like (Zack) Ostapchuk, (Justin) Sourdiff and (Sam) Honzik, it's great."
As for the 2024-25 season, Leslie has already set a new career-high with 66 points and is seven points shy of setting the franchise record for points in a season by a defenseman. Vancouver is also on the verge of clinching a playoff spot and could as early as Wednesday night. With seven games remaining, Leslie is looking forward to the playoffs and has faith that this could be the year the Giants go on a long and memorable run.
"We are just looking forward to the playoffs. That's kind of the main thing for us. We're hoping for a long playoff run. I think we can do it if we're on our game. If we can play the right way, I think we'll have a long playoff run."
At this point, it is safe to say that Leslie will be remembered as one of the best defensemen to play for Vancouver. He will finish in the top 10 for all-time points and will have played over 300 regular-season and postseason games with the organization. With the playoffs just a few weeks away, fans should be excited for what could be a special run for Leslie and the Giants.
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