BREAKING NEWS: Toronto Maple Leafs Legend Dave Keon Dead at 85
Dave Keon, one of the most revered figures in Toronto Maple Leafs history and a cornerstone of the team’s golden era, has died at the age of 85. His passing marks the end of a chapter in hockey history, one defined by grace, speed, and unshakable integrity both on and off the ice.
Keon, born March 22, 1940, in Noranda, Quebec, played 15 seasons with the Maple Leafs, becoming the franchise’s all-time icon during a storied tenure that included four Stanley Cup championships (1962, 1963, 1964, and 1967). He was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP during the Leafs’ last Stanley Cup win in 1967, cementing his legacy as one of the most clutch performers in the team’s history.
Standing at just 5-foot-9, Keon was known for his dazzling skating, exceptional two-way play, and an uncanny ability to read the game. He was often considered the league’s most complete player during the 1960s, even drawing comparisons to all-time greats like Jean Béliveau and Gordie Howe. He finished his NHL career with 396 goals and 590 assists in 1,296 games, many of which were played during the league’s rugged “Original Six” era.
Despite his accolades, Keon’s relationship with the Maple Leafs organization was strained for decades due to a bitter fallout with then-owner Harold Ballard. For years, he distanced himself from the franchise, rarely attending team events or ceremonies. That changed in 2016, when the Leafs honored him as the greatest player in franchise history during their centennial celebrations. Keon returned to the public spotlight with humility and grace, receiving a thunderous ovation from fans who had never forgotten his contributions.
Off the ice, Keon was known for his quiet dignity, humility, and deep respect for the game. Teammates and opponents alike often cited him as a true gentleman of hockey. “Dave played the game the right way,” said former teammate Ron Ellis in a past interview. “He was a leader, even when he didn’t speak much. Everyone just followed his example.”
Tributes have poured in from across the hockey world. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement calling Keon “a symbol of class, excellence, and devotion to the game.” The Maple Leafs said they are “deeply saddened” by his passing and will wear commemorative patches in his honor for the remainder of the season.
Keon was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986, and in 2017, he was named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players. His No. 14 was officially retired by the Leafs, ensuring his legacy will live on for generations of fans and players.
Dave Keon is survived by his wife, Jane, and their children. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
As Leafs Nation mourns the loss of a true legend, Keon’s memory remains etched in the heart of the franchise — not just for the championships he helped deliver, but for the example he set as a p
layer and person.
