Toronto Maple Leafs History: How Conn Smythe Built the Leafs

Conn Smythe is one of the most important figures in Toronto Maple Leafs history.

Whether you know it from the trophy or the man, chances are, as a hockey fan, you’ve heard the name “Conn Smythe”. He was one of the most important figures in Toronto Maple Leafs history. His influence ranged from on ice performance to management and even beyond.

With all he did for the Leafs and the National Hockey League, it’s no wonder he has a trophy named after him.

A Toronto native, Smythe suffered with the then Toronto St.Pats, as they struggled and saw a 5 year Cup drought. Through his business connections, a St.Pats executive and part owner contacted Smythe about a role with the team. Rather than join in, Smythe decided he wanted to run things his way and purchased the team for $160,000 in 1927. He also stepped in as coach until 1931 and remained general manager until 1957.(NHLtradetracker.com)

Toronto Maple Leafs

If not for this, the Toronto Maple Leafs may not exist today.

A rival bidder had arranged for a $200,000 deal and planned to move the team to Philadelphia. The owners of the St.Pats decided to accept Smythe’s offer as it would keep the team in the city.[Windsorstar.com]

A World War I veteran, Smythe served with a “Maple Leaf” regiment and gave tribute to his fellow soldiers by renaming the team to, you guessed it, the Toronto Maple Leafs. With the new name came a change in colours to the blue and white that we know today.

Shortly after, the newly named team, Smythe felt, was due for a new arena. Previously playing in “Arena Gardens”, the Leafs got an upgrade with the announcement of plans to build Maple Leafs Gardens in 1929. This was to the surprise of most as Conn Smythe had announced the massive project during The Great Depression. A costly expense, the new facility was a spectacle to behold upon its completion in 1931, the same year the team took home the Stanley Cup for the first time as the Maple Leafs.

A True Business Man

At such costs, you can imagine just how wealthy Conn Smythe was. A rich man from his own sand and gravel company, he wheeled and dealed his way through partnerships and investments along the way.

He learned from his success in business and it showed. The location Smythe chose for the new arena was on Carlton Street, along the streetcar line.

In the heart of the city and easy to access. Take notes Ottawa.

Smythe was correct in assuming this would bolster ticket sales and interest in the team.

Again he used his entrepreneurial spirit during construction of Maple Leaf Gardens by offering builders stock in the new building, rather than a full direct payment.[heritagetoronto.org]

Smythe didn’t just step into the hockey world as a fan, he had a history of hockey success. In his earlier years, he was a member of the championship University of Toronto team and later coached them to another championship just two years prior to purchasing the Leafs.[Legendsofhockey.net]

As if being a wealthy businessman wasn’t enough, Conn Smythe was also an avid gambler, with specific interest in horse racing.

He wasn’t selfish with his winnings though. In 1930 he used money from his own pocket, purely gambling winnings, to purchase legendary defenceman King Clancy from the Ottawa Senators.

Smythe completed a degree in civil engineering from the University of Toronto[britannica.com] and founded his sand and gravel business.

Final Thoughts

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 1958, Constantine Smythe did it all for the Leafs. From saving them, to building them into a championship team, he is perhaps the most significant figure in Leafs history and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Thanks for reading!