Top 5 Toronto Maple Leafs General Managers of All-Time

#1 – Conn Smythe

February 14, 1927 – September 1, 1957

Querrie was the organization’s first general manager, but Conn Smythe was the first with the “Maple Leafs”. Constantine Falkland Cary Smythe was a hardworking businessman and lover of hockey when he became one of the most important people in Leafs history.

With a background playing in the OHA, Smythe coached the University of Toronto varsity team. It kept him connected with the game, while also running a gravel business named, C. Smythe Ltd. Smythe tried to leverage his experience with U of T in order to coach the St. Patricks, but he was passed over for Mike Rodden.

The St. Patricks realized that a mistake was made after Smythe coached the Varsity Grads to win the Allan Cup. The St. Pats asked Smythe to take over the team’s coaching duties. Instead, Smythe wanted the opportunity to purchase a portion of the team, a move that kept the team from being moved to Philadelphia.

When Querrie sold his ownership of the organization, Smythe took his place as the team’s governor. Smythe then assigned himself the role that he held briefly with the New York Rangers, general manager.

The new ownership group in Toronto decided that a name change was needed. They rebranded, calling the club Maple Leafs for the first time. Smythe decided to make the team colours match his business’s trucks, going from green and white to blue and white.

Smythe eventually had his fingers all over the team. For three seasons, he held three roles. He was governor, general manager and coach. He was also the leading charge in the construction of the Toronto Maple Leafs longtime home, Maple Leaf Gardens.

Smythe had a successful run managing the team. In his 30 years at the helm, the team won seven Stanley Cups, made it to the finals six times, and qualified for the playoffs 25 times.

The Leafs success came thanks to Smythe’s good decision making. Some of his best moves include trading away Billy Taylor Sr. for Harry Watson and shipping out the rights to Frank Eddolls in exchange for Ted Kennedy. Smythe even managed to get King Clancy from the Ottawa Senators.

Smythe, Imlach, Gregory, and Quinn were all inducted into the Hall of Fame. Only Smythe was honoured with a trophy bearing his name. The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs. Fittingly, the trophy features a miniature Maple Leaf Gardens.