TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 02: Toronto Maple Leafs alumni Frank Mahovlich, left and Toronto Maple Leafs alumni Dave Keon, right escort Betty Bower during a ceremony for Johnny Bower before a game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. The Tampa Bay Lightning won 2-0. (Photo by Nick Turchiaro/Icon Sportswire) NHL Eishockey Herren USA JAN 02 Lightning at Maple Leafs PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon180102073
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 02: Toronto Maple Leafs alumni Frank Mahovlich, left and Toronto Maple Leafs alumni Dave Keon, right escort Betty Bower during a ceremony for Johnny Bower before a game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. The Tampa Bay Lightning won 2-0. (Photo by Nick Turchiaro/Icon Sportswire) NHL Eishockey Herren USA JAN 02 Lightning at Maple Leafs PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon180102073
It’s been more than four decades since legend Dave Keon retired in 1982. Yet he kept guiding the next generation players. Back in 2016, he shared his advice for the young players that is still relevant after ten years.
The four-time Stanley Cup winner addressed the crowd when he spoke to the Toronto Maple Leafs players after being voted the best in franchise history.
“Young players have to improve and keep improving,” he said with a firm tone as reported by Waterloo Region Record in an article in 2017. “Into the next drafts, and with players in the minors, (the Leafs) have to keep developing them, develop an attitude of competing.”
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 24: A detailed view of the Toronto Maple Leafs logo is seen on the helmet of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak (46) during a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 24, 2018, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire) NHL Eishockey Herren USA JAN 24 Maple Leafs at Blackhawks PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon164012418143
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 24: A detailed view of the Toronto Maple Leafs logo is seen on the helmet of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak (46) during a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 24, 2018, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire) NHL Eishockey Herren USA JAN 24 Maple Leafs at Blackhawks PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon164012418143
After all, Keon himself has refused to settle down and constantly pushed himself to do better. He started playing hockey for St. Michael’s College. From his junior season, had an outstanding career. He even had an opportunity to play for the Canadian National team at the 1960 U.S but missed his chance.
However, he did not brood over it. Rather, gained attention and was invited to Leaf camp in the fall of 1960. Back then, he was still young as compared to other established players like Bob Pulford and Red Kelly, among others.
During a late training camp West Coast exhibition tour against minor league teams, Keon impressed enough that then-General Manager and coach Punch Imlach decided "Davey," as he was known in his early Maple Leafs days, deserved a spot on the NHL roster.
“Not sitting back after having a little bit of success,” Keon further advised, per the Waterloo Region Record.
Gaining a spot on the roster, he ensured that Imlach never regretted the decision. So much so that the Maple Leafs retired his jersey, decades after his retirement.
Why Dave Keon's influence still resonates in Toronto
In October 2016, the Maple Leafs retired jersey No. 14 that belonged to legendary forward Keon.
"Very pleased that (management) made the decision and that retiring numbers was the right thing to do,” he shared his reaction, per NHL.com. “I was happy that they asked me if I'd be OK if they retired my number. I was very pleased to hear about it."
Keon became one of just five players to suit up for 1,000 games with the Maple Leafs and earned a reputation as the NHL's best all-around player in his prime, thanks to his offensive contributions and elite checking ability.
The 1970-71 season was arguably Keon's best with the Maple Leafs. He helped the team return to the playoffs and battle the strong New York Rangers in an exciting series. His performances earned him a spot on the NHL's Second All-Star Team for the second time.
Years later, Keon's legacy remained part of the Maple Leafs as his son, Dave Keon Jr., escorted Gavin McKenna onto the draft floor before the top prospect officially began his Leafs career.
Share your thoughts on Keon's advice.
Read more at NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Soheli Tarafdar
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar