Toronto Maple Leafs Legend Dave Keon Comes Home
The latest announcement of honorees for the Toronto Maple Leafs “Legends Row” did not disappoint. In fact, one name in particular is creating significant excitement.
Dave Keon is considered one of the greatest players to ever don the blue and white. As a former captain and contributor to four Stanley Cups, the expectation is Keon would be a recognizable face for all Leaf fans. Unfortunately the younger generations have not been exposed to, with regards to Keon, the typical fanfare a club showers on its former greats.
Keon joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1960. He would go on to win the Calder as top rookie, scoring 20 goals. Known for his speed and skating ability, Keon was a consummate professional winning the Lady Byng twice.
In 1967, Keon won the Conn Smythe with the fewest playoff points scored (8) by the winner who was not a goalie. It was his defensive work that shined through as he shut down the Canadians Jean Beliveau. His reputation as one of the best defensive forwards in the game was well deserved.
In 1969 he was named captain, replacing George Armstrong. In 1972 Keon would become the team’s all-time leading goal scorer. For a player who had meant so much to the blue and white, the following years became heartbreaking for the fans at what transpired.
Former Leafs owner Harold Ballard is not looked upon in a positive light by fans for several reasons. His treatment and handling of Keon is perhaps the biggest blot on his rocky tenure as the Leafs owner.
Ballard publicly called out Keon regarding his leadership in 1974. With Keon’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Ballard was determined not to bring the center back.
Keon was allowed to find another team as long as Ballard’s compensation demands were met. Ballard’s price was set very high and without any team willing to meet the absurd demands, Keon took his skill to World Hockey League’s Minnesota Fighting Saints in 1975.
The Saints did not make it through the season due to finances and folded. With Ballard still asking for excess compensation, Keon settled with the WHA’s Indianapolis Racers.
Keon found his way back to the NHL in 1979 as part of the Hartford Whalers. He would retire in 1982 at the age of 42.
Understandably angered by his treatment from Ballard, Keon distanced himself from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even after Ballard’s passing, Keon refused multiple invitations to be any part of the Leafs or part of any ceremonies.
His absence caused the biggest void when he was not a part of the closing of Maple Leaf Gardens in 1999. While he did take part in recognition of some of the Stanley Cup winning teams he was a part of, his relationship with the club has long been at a standstill. Without visibility of the former great, the younger generations have had a more difficult time understanding what Keon truly means to the Leafs organization.
With his acceptance of being added to “Legends Row”, a new page is turning for both Dave Keon and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Keon will be part of the pre-game ceremony on Saturday against the Montreal Canadians joining the families of Turk Broda and Tim Horton.
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For the generations who got to watch him play, this has been a day long waited for. For those (like myself) who did not get to see him donning the blue and white, this opens up the pages of one of the most important figures in franchise history. It is an event that fans should celebrate. One of Toronto’s favorite sons has come home.