Viewpoint

32 years late but I certainly hope the Dave Keon recognizes this as vindication for the transgressions of Ballard and the previous Leaf administrations. Davy Keon was my boyhood hero and I have waited a long time to see Mr. Keon resume his rightful place at Leafs center ice. Now for the jersey……..

It was wonderful to see all those old players they are all my age. The camera was not on them. Is it possible to have a picture of them all together. This is the best presentation made in years. Hope the Montreal Canadian will do the same with their of 1967. It will be my best photo. I have been a Montreal Canadian fan from from my yound age. This Toronto of 1967 will be my best photo if I can get one. Hope so.

Lorenzo

I agree with Bruce 100%. I was born in 1982 and even I know Dave Keon was a vital part of the '67 stanley cup run. Keon has been scroutinized and talked down on for over 30 years, but never did anyone doubt he could play the way he did. His number should be raised to the roof because if they are considering other players numbers who never even won the cup, it would be a great in-justice to the fans, current players and the origanization if they dont give the great Dave Keon the recoginition he deserves.

Welcome Home Davy

Lets forget about the WHYS and have a great time on your return. Some of these message are pro and some con. Davy you are your our man and you hold tight to what you know. We cannot and should not judge you. I with many others cheer your coming home for the 1967 reunion. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND YOU ARE NUMBER 1 WEARING A NUMBER 14 MAPLE LEAF JERSEY. RETIRED AND HONOURED 14 WILL ALWAYS BELONG TO DAVID KEON. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.
YOUR PAL, JOHNNY FROM CABBAGETOWN

In a recent Toronto Sun column, Steve Simmons used veiled, and vague nasty innuendo to smear Keons' legacy. He claims that Lanny McDonald was treated poorly by Keon.

But look at the facts: from 1973 - 75 Lanny McDonald was a grossly overpaid, underachiving bust.

Where did the money come from to pay this unproven rookie?

From Dave Keons' pay cheque.

As you may recall, Ballard screwed over Keon big time during those years, finally forcing Keon to jump to the WHA.

Talk to pretty much any other player from the era and the opinion is the same: Dave Keon was the consummate professional.

Does Keon have a chip on his shoulder? You bet: Given the way he was treated by Ballard, who wouldn't.

Did Keon resent the big bucks paid to an unproven rook? No doubt.

As a result, did he treat McDonald poorly? If Lanny says so -- well, who am I to argue.

Simmons respected the confidence in which McDonald told his Keon anecdotes, but by simply alluding to those dark images, he unfairly stained the reputation of Keon - and did so in a most cowardly fashion.

A basic standard of journalism ethic -- if your subject is unwilling to go an record with comments, you either find someone who will, or drop it.

In my book, Dave Keon was one of the greatest.

On a personal note, my Dad passed away last weekend in Burlington at the age of 87. I spent many a Saturday night by his side watching HNIC in the 60's and 70's as Dave Keon plyed his unique form of magic on the ice.

In one of my last conversations with my Dad, we shared our mutual joy at the news that Dave Keon would return to the fold - for at least one special night.

I wish I could be there on February 17th, but alas, I live thousands of miles away, on the other side of the country now, and must again get my Leafs fix on Hockey Night in Canada.

On that night, the Leafs should do the right thing: retire his jersey - #14. For his kind will never come this way again.

In my opinion, one which is one shared by many deep thinking, informed observers of the game of hockey, Dave Keon was one of the best players ever to play in the NHL.

Now, you may point out, that in The Hockey News listing of the top 100 players of all time, David Keon was ranked way back at #69.

However, keep in mind, that list was compiled by sports writers, who by their very nature, are not terribly bright individuals (or else they would be able to get News jobs) :) They were more concerned with the most simple, banal comparisons of raw statistics, such as goals, assists and points, not to mention which team media lounge has the best free food.....

For a true measure of an individual talent, you must go much further into the role the individual played on their team, and in their league and their era.

Dave Keon was the ultimate 'shut down' player of his generation. He was always assigned the checking duties on the other teams top players - and he performed this task completely within the rules of the game. Keon rarely was penalized, because he played the game with skill and panache.

At the same time, Keon was usually the leading scorer on the team, and one of the greatest hockey captains of all time. Keon scored 498 goals and 1275 points in 22 pro seasons. He was also an 8 time NHL All Star, as well as a perennial WHA All Star.

In spite of playing under the kind of horrific adversity (Harold Ballard) that would break the spirit of any lesser man, Keon conducted himself with class and dignity.

Darryl Sittler on Dave Keon.... " .... He was the best two way players, one of the best Leafs ever, won the Cup, Conn Smythe, captain ... forget the other stuff, he deserves to be acknowledged..

I am so relieved to hear that Davey Keon will be back in Toronto on Saturday. As a kid he was my hero and when Ballard traded him I was devestated. I've stuck with the Leafs and defended them from attack by countless Habs fans over the years. Having Dave Keon back with us is an important moment in our return to glory. Why not make this the year to win the cup? Do it for Dave Keon! He deserves nothing less.

I am a Toronto Maple Leafs fan 'til the end. Born and raised in Leafs Nation and very proud of it. Though I am only 21 years old, and Dave Keon was retired before I was born, I am well aware of how great a player he was, and how poorly the organization treated him after so many years of devotion to the Blue and White.

That being said, to hold a grudge after so many years when no part of the Maple Leafs management remains from the time when he was so completely disrespected, is petty and immature, and robs the fans of the opportunity to show their appreciation for one of the greatest Leafs of all-time. I am glad to hear that Keon is finally willing to, at least partially, bury the hatchet and attend what should be a great celebration of a great team.

As for the club policy regarding only honouring numbers unless that player was severely injured or killed while playing for Toronto, I do not completely agree with it, but the Leafs have been around so long that there are many numbers that will be knocked out of circulation.

If the policy were changed today, 1, 4, 7, 9, 10, 21 and 27 would all be unusuable; joining 5 and 6 as retired numbers with 13 and 14 surely to follow. The team has been around for 80 years under its current moniker. What is to stop it from being around for another 80 or longer? Eventually we will be cheering for numbers most often seen on football lineman and wide receivers.

I cannot wait for the ceremony on Saturday, and I hope in another 40 years we won't be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the last Stanley Cup the Maple Leafs won.

Go Leafs Go.

I know Keon has had issues in the past with the Leaf organization but the fans deserve better.I am glad he has decided to put his pride aside to attend this event.Maybe the Leafs will change their policy on number retirement and #14 is a good place to start.The fans support it!

Yeah Dave;
I grew up in Sask. as the biggest Dave Keon fan. He was Captain of the Leafs and a real gentleman. I, too, get the anger against the Leafs and especially Harold Ballard, but Ballard has been pushing up daisies for years now. Keon can afford to live in Florida because of what hockey, and mostly his tenure with the Leafs, did for him as a star (and in the playoffs, a superstar). The FANS deserve his recognition, not just the reverse. Take your place in history, Dave Keon, for the fans.

Re: David Keon

It is with great excitement and anticipation that II await David Keon's return to Toronto in an official Leaf capacity. Much has been said about the destructive Ballard years resulting with Keon breaking off ties with the Leafs. I completely understand and respect Mr. Keon's choice to stay away. Hopefully that is over for good, and Mr. Keon will be a regular visitor to the ACC.

It is my fervent hope that MLSE retires Keon's number in the very near future. It is the token sign of respect that the organization could show (with all respect to Sundin et al) to the greatest player to where the Leaf jersey.

David Bourque
Bass Clarinet, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

retire Dave Keon's jersey #14.......it is the right thing to do.....

I am very pleased to see Dave return to enjoy some of his achievements as a Leafs instead of being so angry and bitter. I have tried for the past 5 years to get Dave back with an on-line petition at www.davekeon.ca. When I finally presented these to Dave I quickly realized that I was not going to achieve my goal no matter what nice things people where saying about him on the petition. Dave was standing fast and with just cause but a cause that was getting far to old with no resolve or even an attempted resolve by the Leafs to acknowledge their mistakes. Obviously they took their time and as Dave said they did everything right this time. Now as we all wait to see if they can correct this retiring of the jersey conflict. I do believe that there is a better way to honour players in the NHL-- so I will state quickly my thoughts -- instead of taking a jersey out of circulation and hanging it from the home team arena where for the most part it will never be seen again by over 95% of hockey fans I suggest this. Allow the jersey to stay in circulation but permanently put the players name on the jersey forever so generations of fans from every arena in the NHL can remember or at least say to someone who was that player and what was he like. Much better!

Harold ballard was always so nice with our captains wasn't he?..Dave Keon, Darryl Sittler, Ricky Vaive.. The leafs should of retired the jerseys of Tim Horton, Dave keon and Darryl Sittler..nobody will ever wear these jerseys and do what they did for the Blue and white. I disagree with those who say that nothing has changed since the Ballard days. Sure, no cups have been won since his last day as owner, but he had taken us off the hockey map, now we are a respected hockey team and hockey city once again, thanks to many people, but mostly to Cliff Fletcher and all the boys of the 90's. They wanted that cup more than the fans. Wendle, Doug, and the boys were feared. Give me one present day hockey player that wouldn't kill to wear the leaf jersey!!.. The day will come when the cup will be won,the city will go crazy, the real fans, the ones that take the losses not just the wins will feel might proud, and the ones that are only good to criticize can eat thier hearts out. Go Leafs Go forever, you are loved by all of us canadians living in Italy. We all wish we could see the 1967 team honoured on Feb. 17, our hearts will be with them that night. TML forver with us. !!!!....
Thank you,
Mike Belmonte

Dave Keon was a class act. He wasn't alone being mistreated by Ballard in the 1970's (See Roger Neilson, Darryl Sittler, Lanny, Inge Hammerstrom, etc)

The fact he has been bitter all these years, and rightfully so I say might make some not appreciate what he did, but he was an effortless skater. Jean Beliveau puts him right up there with Stan Mikita, Delvecchio and Phil Esposito as the better Centermen in the 1960's.

He was treated poorly by the Leafs for years. Just recently they began to retire numbers like Sittler's and Frank Mahovlich's.

The next thing is to retire his number 14.

I imagine the crowd will give Keon the largest standing ovation or 2nd loudest (after Johnny Bower) when the 67 team is celebrated.

I'm right there with Dave. They did the guy WRONG. I'm glad he is giving it one more chance for the team, but like he said, if they blow this one, he's right in not going back, number retirement or anything else. He was the heart and soul of that '67 team.

In my opinion we should not encourage interdivisional play in the NHL. Look at Baseball. The romance and intrigue disappeared when interleague play was implemented. The world series means a lot less than it did when the pennant winner of the National league played the pennant winner of the American League.

Look at basketball. We used to be able to look forward to a west coast style (i.e the jump shot) vs the east coast 2 hand set shot. Again there was intrigue.
Look at football with Jeff Garcia catching teams unaware with his West Coast Offfense.
No way I want to see Sid the Kid until Stanley Cup.

I remember watching Keon play when I was a kid and still think he was one of the best Leafs ever. It's sad that the brass at MLSE think it's good enough to merely "honour" players numbers instead of retiring them.
Keons 14, Salming's 21, Sittler's 27 and for sure, Bower's 1 should be retired to really honour the best who gave their best for the Leafs. Having these numbers being worn today is a discrace. Perhaps if the Leafs came to their senses and did the right thing, the 40 year curse would be lifted.

Once again, the NHL has ignored the fans out west by NOT getting back to the old schedule.
We will not see Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal next year at all.
By the way, Ottawa and Montreal voted against returning to the old schedule.
What kind of treatment is that? When the East wanted to see Gretzky, they saw him. Now that we have a couple of potential superstars, the NHL says they stay in the East.
Way to go Ottawa and Montreal, treating us like second class fans.
As for Bettman, where's the leadership?

And furthermore! When the Ballard nightmare was over in 1990, I told every friend that would listen that the Cup would land in Toronto within five years, as every Ontario born scout, manager, coach, you name it, would all want to join the phoenix from the flames. And we got a damn good Flame indeed, Cliff Fletcher. He aquired several more good Flames and we almost won it in 93. But since they gassed Fletcher, there have been no Great GMs. Quinn was a coach, period. No scouting either, other than the odd late round gem like Kaberle. Since the Teachers pension took over, it's been right back to "profits first". Lets hire John Ferguson Junior, cheap. Check his track record: his only accomplishment has been bringing my hero Dave Keon back to the fold, and hiring a few scouts. The one thing the Leafs CAN do now with the cap is hire all the best scouts for twice what they're making elsewhere. They can afford it. But they're too stupid or too cheap or both. Then gut the team, rebuild with from scratch like the Pens and the Sens did (but the latter can't win anything for some reason), the Lightning, Hurricanes, all the recent champions had to hit the skids to draft a stud. None would have won without high first rounders like Lecavalier, Stall, and eventually Crosby and all. Ever heard of John Tavares, JFJ? No wonder so many Leafs fans are disillusioned. 40 years of incompetance and greed, and counting. At least our spiritual leader is back in the fold. Thanks Dave!

Douglas from Winnipeg, you nailed it buddy! Among the other kernals of truth, McCabe's contract is indeed the gorilla on the Leaf's back. Not trading him at the deadline last year for..well, something! was ridiculous. In retrospect, forget McCabe or Gill, why not just shell out the additional 1.5 million/year and sign Chara? Although, Gill's play has been better than average over the course of this season. Kubina missed most of training camp, and the start of the season, his true potential won't be known just yet I think. Let's just hope we're not seeing it now. Kaberle is our # 1 guy at present, and McCabe is our # 1 mistake!

It may be time to clean house and start freshwith the young crop. Tucker and Sundin may have to go very soon. Remember, Carolina went from the Finals, into the crapper, and came all the way back again, in just 4 years. A consistent level of mediocrity and 'what-if's' is groing very thin with this Leaf fan.

To see Dave Keon back in Toronto on the ice in front of his adoring fans will be a site to see. Keon one of the all-time greats in this game of Hockey, we welcome you home.

We have got away from the days of Keon when the players played for the love of the game and not payrolls the size of some governments budgets. It is the fans that continue to fill the seats at the rink that allow Team ownership to continue to dress twenty odd players who are more concerned about contract extensions then winning.

We had great teams and we were going places, but with ownership treating the greats as hasbeens no wonder they had to beg them to come for a night of honour, what else do these fans have to cheer about, definately not the product that management has put on the ice recently.

If it is not the great players, then it is the great coaches that get the short end of the stick. I understand it is a business and if the business is not doing well you fix it, but in this city if things aren't going well, they make it worse, and do they care, no! Fans will continue to fill the seats, this is after all Hockey Town, Canada.

I must say that management of late has tried hard to get the Alumni involved, to see Keon back with some of his buddies, reminds us of days when Hockey was great, when Hockey was for the best, when winning was everything, when Hockey was Hockey.

The Toronto Maple Leafs care about one thing. Selling tickets. Management knows they can keep putting terrible teams on the ice and the ACC will still sell out everynight. It doesn't surprise me that they would mistreat one of their legends. I've never seen Keon play, but if Don Cherry says he's beaty, you can take it to the bank. Everyone wants to play for Toronto and they keep adding mediocre players. How does Antropov have a job in the NHL? Wait till next year.. and the year after, maybe we'll get into the playoffs.

That's a great comment by Dan Grant. Indeed, retire Keon's number 14 and lift the curse! I am by no means a Leafs fan (Sabres hardcore), but Keon was the consumate proffesional, the Cal Ripken of the NHL and should have had his jersey retired years ago. But, thats the Leafs for ya!

Dave Keon was a class act on the ice during his playing time. He was the Yzerman in his day. Nothing should detract from this... but of course time and his anger has. Let us put this into a little perspective, shall we: Bobby Orr was another class act who for many many years remained silent after discovering that Alan Eagleson tore his financial future out from under him. Keon was just another commodity who couldn't hide his anger at being treated as merchandise.

You have to remember that in the 60's and 70's, hockey players made a pittance while agents, owners and lawyers made millions. I'm glad Davey Keon has agreed to let his anger aside but I don't begrudge him that anger. I hope a part of it is washed away with some genuine tears of pride and humility come February.

I don't blame Dave Keon for keeping hid distance from the team. Hes right about just "honouring" numbers of players who were dedicated to the sport: its a disgrace. I happen to the know that the only two numbers retired by the Leafs are of players who nearly got killed(Ace Bailey by a cross check that sent him to the ice and fractured his skull) or were killed (Bill Barilko in a plane crash.) not because of their dedication to the team! I have never seen Keon play but i read about him and I would never dare question his leadership. I can't wait to see him back with his teammates. welcome back, Dave Keon!

THE TORONTO MAPLES LEAFS ,THE ONLY TEAM THAT I HAVE FOLLOWED SINCE I WAS OLD ENOUGH TO COLLECT QUACKER OATS BOX TOPS AND SEND FOR PICTURES OF THOSE EARLY LEAFS OF THE 40'S AND 50'S. HAPPY TO SEE DAVE KEON IS RETURNING TO BE HONOURED WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE 1967 TEAM,MY YOUNGEST SON WAS BORN JUNE 1967,SO WE'RE BOTH WAITING PATIENTLY FOR OUR NEXT STANLEY CUP.I AGREE THAT LEAF NUMBERS SHOULD BE RETIRED NOT JUST HONOURED.
P.S.I HOPE THEY DO NOT ACCEPT THE NEW UNIFORM DESIGN---ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !

Keon had ever right to stay away from the
Leafs. He should be judged on his hockey
skill not his relationship with the past
Leaf teams. His #14 should be retired. The
Leafs could learn something from the Habs
when it comes to honouring past players.

Janet,

Any player on the Penguins would feel elated to hear that, knowing they have the best player in the NHL on their team. It's not atom or pee-wee hockey anymore. These players are men, if any of the players on the team felt ill towards those comments they would either A - be traded, or B - retire or request a trade. The majority of the players in the NHL would love to be a part of that team.

Do you think Mark Messier or Jari Kurri got upset when they heard, "Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers are heading to Toronto to play the Leafs?" I doubt. They were too excited that they had a chance at hoisting Lord Stanley's mug to worry about what the media were saying. Just like the Penguins are with Crosby. He makes every player around him better. It's a team game, and always will be.

Dave Keon's return to Toronto is long overdue. It's about time the Leaf organization showed some real class, and I hope they do it right this time. My pals and I always referred to Dave Keon as "The Family Jewels". We've seen some great players in The Big Smoke over the past 40 years, but Mr. Keon was the ONLY winner.

I think we need to stop saying Sidney Crosby; there is more then just him on that team. Watching the game the other night I had to turn the sound off I was going crazy. When they announced the team that the Leafs where going to play it was Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. How do you think that makes the other players feel?

Please, please do the right thing and retire Dave's number 14. I remember him playing and wanted to be like him, a gentleman and great player. I was named after the King. My parents were fans from 1955 when they came to Canada from Ireland and their first and only son was named Francis Michael James Kinsella. Me, named after King Clancy. I have died season after season and my youngest daughter saw me cry for the first time in 93 when we were cheated out of the cup finals with Montreal because of a bad call from a bad ref.(Kerry Fraser).
It is time, I will have a tatoo on my arm with TML and the date 1967 - _____. Please don't have them dig me up to finish the date.

Regards

Frank M Kinsella

Dave Keon deserves any and all honors that the Leafs can possibly bestow. He played with speed, intensity, and cunning without taking penalties. As Danny Gallivan said, he was an "indefatigueable (sp?) skater" and backchecker. He represented everything that is beautiful and right about professional hockey. What irony -- that a goon the like of John Ferguson would be responsible for bringing Davey back to Toronto to partake in honoring the 1967 Leafs! Bravo, Fergie; and, certainly, Bravo David Keon!!

Of all the transgressions done by the Maple Leafs to our players, that Dave Keon's #14 is not retired, is symbolically the worst. There is no doubt that when this happens, the Leafs will win the Cup.

Harold Ballard's treatment of his then captain Dave Keon was shameful at best. Keon was the epitome of what a captain should be. He lead by example, and his work ethic was non-pareil. I have been a hockey fan for 65 years, and can't think of a player whose skating ability and style was more pleasant to watch than Keon's. His defensive and offensive skills were something to behold. Good that he's coming to the 1967 reunion.

That's great news for Leaf fans. Maybe the Keon curse will be lifted...40 years already too long.

Davey,

I'm sure you are not the only player to ever don the Leafs jersey who holds similar feelings towards Mr. Ballard and the Leaf organization. But to not participate in any functions over the years is a little selfish. Lots of great players came and left with that organization relish the fact that they are even invited to Leaf gatherings. Not everyone growing up in Canada gets to play for a canadian team in front of their friends and family. Be thankful that you were one of the lucky ones that did and give something back to the fans who supported you while you were there. Think of what the game allowed you to do.

It'll be interesting to see the reaction the crowd gives him when he takes the ice. As a hockey fan I'd cheer him, he was a great player. As a Leaf fan, if I was a leaf fan that is, I'd boo him. Harold was a crooked old man who had his ways, but the fans paid his salary.

Keon will be cheered long and loudly when he steps on the ice in February. I don't think his stand should change the Leafs position on honouring numbers over retiring them.

Keon is right. Why would anyone want to cheer for The Leafs.

It will probabley take another 40 years to win another Stanley Cup. This might want to celebrate the last one.

Yvon Bourque,

A Habs Fan Forever

Dave Keon is my favorite Maple Leaf player.
I have his picture hanging in my frontroom .
I'm very glad to hear he's appearing for the
ceremony on Feb 17th. He should be reconized
as a great player,and be honoured with his team mates.You see I'm a die hard leaf fan
all my life.Win or lose .I'll always be behind them!I hope to meet Dave Keon some
day ,but I don't think that will happen.
One year the Leafs will win the cup.GLG...JD

As a kid growing up in downtown Toronto, I used to buy my sticks a Brown's on Yonge Street - Same as the Leafs and I allways used Dave Keon's Model with the straight blade. Believe it or not, when I played out of town I used to milk it to the best what with the Keon Haircut and sticks with his name on them.
Had some real lookers interested. But seriously, I just loved watching him play and skate circles around just about anyone. I remember working for the City of Toronto Parks & Recreation Department at Regent Park when I was about 18yrs old and one of the fellows (Senior Supervisor) was a player named Wally Boyer and I didn't realize he played for the leafs until one Saturday Morning he handed me two tickets to the game that night. I just about fainted. I often wonder what my old friend Wally Cooper is doing these days.
Anyway, I'm sure glad that Davie has decided to honour us with his presence and I am sure it will be a memorable evening. Go 14 Go

The Leafs are a no class organization, and have been since Ballard stole the Smythe heirloom. Very little has changed since Ballard left. The team and it's management operate soley on a profit motivated keel and could care less what the fans and alumni think or care about. I don't understand why my boyhood idol broke his stand against these soul-less bloodsuckers, or why I bother waiting for another Cup to ever justify my being a Leafs fan. Keon's number is about as likely to be retired as a parade for the next Leaf championship. Go choke on it, Peddie, Teachers Pension and every other major player in this sadsack production. I spend not a cent on this organization.

I think it's about time some of the past leaf players have their numbers retired.. that is the best honor a player can get seeing his number in the rafters everytime he comes to the rink

Perhaps this is heresy (and from a Leaf fan no less) but who cares? As I read Morrison's description of Keon's angst sounds more like the hurt pride of a ten-year old than any sort of legitimate grievance. From what I read, it seems like Keon's ego was slighted, so he spent decades letting everyone know how unfair it all was, something that only sounds childish to me. In truth, I don't see much difference here between Keon's 25 year temper tantrum and the spoiled whinging of the Rock Diva. The big boys get over it Dave. Isn't it about time you did too?

Although the Leaf brass is to be commended for reaching out to former players, is it not sad that this event will in effect be a celebration of futility? It will shine a huge spotlight on an organization that seeks out and rewards mediocrity, aided and abetted by fans that continue to fill the seats while the executive passes out dividend cheques.

For 40 years the Leaf brain-trust has squandered every opportunity to win a cup. From failing to acquire a top-notch left winger for Sittler and McDonald, by the same ineptitude reducing Mats Sundin from a potential super-star to what amounts to a career journeyman, and most recently handing out a franchise contract to Brian McCabe, who under even the most cursory examination is revealed to be nothing more than a power play specialist offensively, and a non-entity defensively.

This last move is particularly grievous because of the bite it takes out of the salary cap, which not only guarantees that Sundin won't get any help up front, but also renders McCabe untradable. This fiasco lands in Ferguson's lap, but he comes by it honestly. It was his father that took Jimmy Mann with the Jet's first pick in 1979, ahead of Michel Goulet, who had more assists in his first year (32) than Mann had points (30) in his entire career!

Only the Leaf organization would have the effrontery to remind their fans of how narrow the guiding vision is behind the team, and it will be another 40 years before the Leafs get a sniff unless and until the fans vote with their bums by refusing to put them in seats at the ACC.

You get the team you pay to see.

Those of us too young to see Keon in action have only seen what he's been since: bitter. His absolute refusal to have anything to do with the Leafs for more than a quarter-century tarnishes his image, in my view. I understand feeling slighted. I get the anger. But my God, the whole organization, top to bottom, has turned over several times. It's nice to see that a 66-year-old can grow up even a little.