Ted Kennedy (ice hockey)

Ted "Teeder" Kennedy was born December 12, 1925, in the small village of Humberstone,{{cite web|url=http://madeinatlantis.com/canada-travel/niagara_falls.htm|access-date=September 23, 2009|title=Niagara Falls: Port Colborne|publisher=madeinatlantis.com|archive-date=April 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403094344/http://madeinatlantis.com/canada-travel/niagara_falls.htm|url-status=dead}} Ontario,Diamond (1998) p. 736. which in 1970 was amalgamated into the city of Port Colborne.{{cite web|title=City of Port Colborne: history|url=http://www.portcolborne.ca/page/history|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502184900/http://www.portcolborne.ca/page/history|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 2, 2009|publisher=City of Port Colborne|access-date=September 23, 2009}} note: published birth-dates for Kennedy prior to 1970 usually give his place of birth as Humberstone. Ted's father, Gordon Kennedy, was killed in a hunting accident eleven days before he was born and his mother, Margaret, was left to raise a family of four children.Ulmer p. 62. To supplement her income she took a job selling confectioneries at a local hockey arena which became young Ted's second home.Leonetti Maple Leafs Top 100 p. 14. When Ted was seven years old a family friend took him to Toronto to see the first two games of the 1932 Stanley Cup Finals and from watching those games Maple Leaf right winger Charlie Conacher became his childhood hero. He wore Conacher's no. 9 throughout his minor hockey career. In Port Colborne, Kennedy was childhood friends with Elmer Iseler, who found fame as a choir conductorPitman, p. 73. and Don Gallinger who became infamous when he was banned for life by the NHL for gambling while playing with the Boston Bruins in 1948.

Kennedy played with the Port Colborne Lions in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association as a bantam, midget and juvenile.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|title=Leafs Acquire Port Colborne Right-Winger|date=March 3, 1943|page=17}} His nickname "Teeder" is a short form of his real name which was used by other neighbourhood boys because they could not pronounce "Theodore" and was overheard by a local reporter with the Welland Tribune.Coleman p. 86. During Kennedy's NHL years, newspapers often used the spelling "Teeter".{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Caption to photo:where he is keeping Teeter Kennedy at bay with an embryo cross-check|date=March 23, 1945|page=14 }} Kennedy was captain of the midget Port Colborne Lions when they won the O.M.H.A. Championship in 1941. The Toronto Star described the 15-year-old Kennedy as a "shifty rightwinger" who had "paced the Lions to victory, scoring five goals, two of which were solo efforts."{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Port Colborne Lions Defeat Lindsay Team|date=April 7, 1941|page=15}} On May 7, 1941, at a banquet in Port Colborne honouring the championship team, one of the speakers was Hap Day, coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He spoke to the players, advising them that "keen desire" and "hard work" was required to get to the top in hockey as in any job in life and that hockey salaries were "equal to other leading professions". Day then presented members of the team with jackets bearing the championship crest. In only two years, Kennedy was playing for Hap Day's Toronto Maple Leafs.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Port Colborne Lions Honor Midget Team|date=May 7, 1941|page=17}}

The next season Kennedy's juvenile team made it to the finals. During the season, Kennedy had scored seven goals in one game and six in another{{cite news|newspaper=The Toronto Star|title=A Lino-Type or Two|date=March 9, 1943|page=12}} and it was efforts such as those which were attracting the attention of professional hockey people. The first team to approach Kennedy was the NHL's Montreal Canadiens, although for Kennedy "It was a boyhood dream to play for Toronto." Dinty Moore, also of Port Colborne, brought Kennedy to the attention Montreal General Manager Tommy Gorman and Kennedy was put on their negotiation list.{{cite news|last=Koffman|first=Jack|page=22|date=June 20, 1947|newspaper=The Evening Citizen|title=Along Sport Row|location=Ottawa}}Goyens (1994) p. 65. note: the Goyens book says it was Toronto referee Bert Hedge who brought Kennedy to the attention of Tommy Gormon. However, Tommy Gorman in a 1947 letter to The Evening Citizen paper of Ottawa said it was Dinty Moore. (See Koffman The Evening Citizen June 20, 1947, p. 22.) The Gorman letter to the Citizen was in response to an article by Dan Parker in the June 16, 1947, Evening Citizen (p.17) in which Gorman rebutted Parker's story of how Canadien's lost Kennedy. In the fall of 1942, Montreal contacted the sixteen-year-old about joining the Canadiens. Kennedy's mother was wary of a career in hockey for her son as he was also headed towards studying business at the University of Western Ontario.{{cite news|newspaper=National Post|last=Stubbs|first=Dave|date=August 17, 2009|page=S6}} She agreed to let her son attend the training camp when Montreal scout Dinty Moore assured her Ted was going to receive a good education at Montreal's prestigious Lower Canada College and they were going to cover the cost.{{cite web|url=http://www.faceoff.com/hockey/nhlnews/story.html?id=177fe985-fd10-499b-be1c-75474215555f|title=Habs let young Teeder slip through fingers|last=Stubbs|first=David|date=August 17, 2009|publisher=Canwest|access-date=January 1, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724082627/http://www.faceoff.com/hockey/nhlnews/story.html?id=177fe985-fd10-499b-be1c-75474215555f|archive-date=July 24, 2011|df=mdy-all}} Upon arriving in Montreal, foreshadowing future troubles, Kennedy discovered there was no one from the Canadiens to greet him at the train. The teenager was left to his own devices to check into a hotel and make his way around the new city. Then later, as he tried to combine hockey and school, he became concerned his studies were suffering and approached Canadien management to ask if they could find him accommodation closer to the school. He felt they were unresponsive and he soon became disillusioned with the experience in Montreal. After three weeks in Montreal he was feeling homesick and upon completing spring training with the Montreal Royals, he returned to Port Colborne in mid-November.Fitkin (1950) p. 11.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|title=Tars Finally Move on Ice|date=November 11, 1942|page=16}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ngnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=221347&sc=503|publisher=The Canadian Press|title=Teeder Kennedy's grandfather clock donated to hometown museum|date=February 2, 2009|access-date=October 3, 2009}}

File:Nels Stewart.jpgBack home, Kennedy played with the Port Colborne Sailors of the OHA Sr. league for the 1942–43 hockey season. The Port Colborne coach was former NHL star and Hall of Fame inductee Nels Stewart who had been hired in November.{{cite news|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=November 3, 1942|title=Nels Stewart Gets Port Colborne Job|page=18}} Stewart became a mentor to Kennedy, working on his playmaking skills. Kennedy credits Stewart with teaching him how to "operate in front of the net".{{cite web|url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/27533-Former-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-captain-Ted-Teeder-Kennedy-dies-at-83.html|title=Former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Ted (Teeder) Kennedy dies at 83|publisher=The Hockey News/Canadian Press|date=August 14, 2009|access-date=October 3, 2009}} Kennedy finished the season second in the league, only one point behind scoring champion, Dillon Brady of Hamilton.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Heron and Conick Top Scoring Races|date=February 10, 1943|page=13}} It was during this time that Kennedy debuted as a player at Maple Leaf Gardens. OHA senior teams played at the Gardens on Friday evenings and this included Kennedy and the Port Colborne Sailors.{{cite news|newspaper=The Toronto Star|last=Gamester|first=George|title=The day the King hushed T.O. ball fans|date=October 12, 1988|page=A4}} At the end of the season, in early February 1943, in spite of his having abandoned the Royals, Montreal scout Gus Ogilvie was sent to induce Kennedy to sign a contract with the promise that if he signed, he would finish the season with the Canadiens in the NHL.{{cite news|newspaper=The Gazette|location=Montreal|title=Playing the Field|last=Carroll|first=Dink|date=February 9, 1943|page=14|volume=CLXXII|number=34}} Concerned about his treatment in Montreal, he declined, despite being warned by Ogilvie, "Well, you know, Ted, if you turn pro, it will have to be with the Canadiens." Kennedy now thought his dreams of playing in the NHL were over. However, Nels Stewart believed in Kennedy, considering him "a coming great", and recommended him to the Toronto Maple Leafs.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Ted Kennedy Comes for Eddolls|date=March 1, 1943|page=16}} Shortly thereafter, Kennedy was called out of his grade 11 Latin class to the principal's office.Ulmer p. 65. Kennedy, the high school student, was at first worried about what he may have done wrong, but it turned out to be a phone call from Nels Stewart. Stewart had arranged a meeting with General Manager of the Leafs Frank Selke and Kennedy had to travel immediately to Toronto. Unlike Montreal, the Maple Leafs had someone there to meet Kennedy when he got off the train. Kennedy signed a contract that evening.

Although Kennedy was not a gifted skater, he compensated with a fierce determination and tireless hard work.Batten (1994) p. 42. Among modern era players his style of play has been compared to Bobby Clarke{{cite web|url=http://www.maxhockey.com/Fischler/Fischler_081609.php|last=Fischler|first=Stan|title=Remembering Ted Kennedy: A Role Model|publisher=MaxHockey, LLC|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=October 26, 2009}} and Jarome Iginla.{{cite news|newspaper=Niagara This Week|last=Chau|first=Eddie|date=August 21, 2009}} Line-mate Howie Meeker said that while he was a much better skater than Kennedy, {{sic|"He went from A to B just as fast I could because he went through people"}}. Kennedy was a perfect fit into coach Hap Day's coaching style of emphasizing defense, positional hockey and physical play.Ulmer p. 68. He brought to the Leafs a classy, humble leadership and the knack for scoring goals when they were most needed. He fought for every inch of iceLeonettie (2002) p. 82. and was difficult to separate from the puck. He was also known for his agility,Diamond (1994) p. 49. stick-handling,{{cite web|title=Conn Smythe Trophy Vote|url=http://www.hhof.com/html/newsconn.shtml|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=30 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629140911/http://www.hhof.com/html/newsconn.shtml#winners|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} playmaking,Obodiac p. 109. passing skills and physical toughness.{{cite web |title=Leafs legend Kennedy dies|last=Shoalts|first=David|work=The Globe and Mail|date=August 14, 2009 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-legend-kennedy-dies/article4281974/ |access-date=January 9, 2010}}

Dick Irvin once compared the styles of Syl Apps, previous captain of the Leafs, to Kennedy in how the two centres used their wingers. "Apps used to hit the defence at top speed and Gordie Drillon would come along and pick up the garbage", said Irvin, whereas Kennedy would "go into the corners and get the puck out to their wings."{{cite news|newspaper=The Gazette (The Montreal Gazette)|date=March 10, 1952|page=20|last=Carroll|first=Dink|title=Playing the Field}} Hap Day had said he could see Nels Stewart's influence on Kennedy. Like Stewart, Kennedy had a more upright lie on his hockey stick which kept the puck closer to his feet.Fitken (1950) p. 66. Kennedy was also widely believed to be the best faceoff man in hockey{{cite web|url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p196605&type=Player&page=bio&list=ByName#photo|title=Ted Kennedy Bio|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=September 20, 2009}} and seldom lost an important faceoff.Fischler (2003) Who's Who p. 215. Along with his regular shift, he also played a role on the penalty kill.

File:Elmer Lach and Frank J. Selke.jpg. Earlier, as GM of Toronto Selke had made one of his greatest trades acquiring Kennedy's rights from Montreal. A dispute with President Conn Smythe over the trade caused Selke to leave the Leafs for Montreal, who he later built into a powerhouse.]]On March 3, 1943, Kennedy signed a professional contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs,{{cite news|newspaper=The Evening Citizen|location=Ottawa|date=March 4, 1943|author=C.P.|title=Joins Leafs|page=19}} but management of the Leafs still wished to see Kennedy playing in an NHL game. Late in the 1942–43 season, they received permission from Kennedy's mother to take him out of school so he could accompany them on a road trip. He played in two of the final three games of the regular season, but did not continue with them into the playoffs. Making his NHL debut March 7, 1943, against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden,{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Four-Goal Ranger Surge Almost Decapitates Leafs!|date=March 8, 1943|page=11}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1943_games.html|title=1942-43 NHL Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=November 2, 2009}} he was put on the Leafs' third line on rightwing, instead of his customary centre position, on a line with Bud Poile and Gaye Stewart. He was told by coach Hap Day to simply "stay with your check and keep him from scoring." Kennedy's line scored three goals and he picked up one assist in a 5–5 tie. He then picked another assist in the next game in Boston. Kennedy had impressed the Leaf coaches,Leonetti (2002) p. 82. but his rights were still "officially" owned by the Montreal Canadiens.Diamond (2003) Hockey's Glory Days.

Toronto first tried to buy his rights from Montreal,{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=March 3, 1943|last=Lytle|first=Andy|page=13|title=Around Our Town}} note: this article also claims the Leafs offered Kennedy a scholarship prior to Montreal putting him on their negotiation list but "Somehow ended up in Montreal with the Royals". but a trade was arranged exchanging Kennedy for Frank Eddolls.{{cite web|first=Lance|last=Hornby|title=Teeder the epitome of class|url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2009/08/15/10469511-sun.html|publisher=Sun Media|date=15 August 2009|access-date=September 23, 2009|archive-date=August 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818231008/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2009/08/15/10469511-sun.html|url-status=dead}} Toronto newspapers of the day in reporting the trade described the 17-year-old Kennedy as "a rangy youngster whose record in the OHA is exceptionally good", that he was "highly recommended by other hockey men" and was a "high-scoring right-winger".{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|title=Latest Leaf|date=March 4, 1943|page=17}} Nevertheless, interim manager Frank Selke had made the trade while Conn Smythe, owner of the Leafs, was away in service in World War II and Eddolls was one of his prized prospects. Smythe was furious when he discovered the trade, creating a rift between the two which ultimately led Selke to leave Toronto to manage the Canadiens. Ironically, Kennedy eventually became Smythe's favourite player and he called Kennedy "the greatest competitor in hockey".{{cite web|url=http://www.hhof.com/htmlSpotlight/spot_oneononep196605.shtml|title=One on One with Teeder Kennedy|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=September 22, 2009|archive-date=January 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107231632/http://www.hhof.com/htmlSpotlight/spot_oneononep196605.shtml|url-status=dead}} Looking back, some hockey pundits have called the trade the best the Toronto Maple Leafs have ever made.{{cite web|title=The Ted Kennedy Story|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=728250|date=14 August 2014|access-date=August 30, 2015}} In 2001, Sports Illustrated writer and Montreal native, Michael Farber, included the Kennedy trade for Eddolls as one of "the five darkest days" in Montreal Canadiens' history.{{cite magazine |last=Farber |first=Michael |date=July 20, 2001 |title=Say it Ain't So |magazine=Sports Illustrated |publisher=Sports Illistarted }}

Kennedy played full-time with the Leafs for the first time in the 1943–44 season. Although the Leafs had won the Stanley Cup in 1942, at the time of Kennedy's arrival the Leafs were a team decimated by the loss of some of its best players to the war effort. Andy Lytle, sports editor of The Toronto Star, wrote of the Leaf team eliminated from the previous season's playoffs, "I do not suppose that Toronto was so weakly represented in the N.H.L. playoffs since the club originated."{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Lytle|first=Andy|title=Speaking on Sports|page=14|date=April 1, 1941}} During training camp, Kennedy read in a newspaper interview of Coach Hap Day speaking about the best new prospects on the Leafs, but he had failed to mention Kennedy. This served to fire up Kennedy to give an even greater effort towards making the team. Toronto's first pre-season exhibition game was against the St. Catharine Saints, a senior team now being coached by Kennedy's former junior coach Nels Stewart. After the game, Kennedy approached Stewart for advice, because he was disappointed he had not scored in the game. Stewart, who was the all-time NHL goal scoring leader until Maurice Richard overtook him in the 1952–53 season,{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leaders/goals_progress.html|publisher=Sports Reference|title=NHL Progressive Leaders and Records for Goals|access-date=November 12, 2009}} advised when facing the goaltender to "either draw him out, or pick the corner."Fitkin (1950) p. 42.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Fitkin|first=Ed|title=See For Yourself What Hap has in Stock|date=October 28, 1943|page=14}}

Kennedy began the season playing right wing. Then, in mid-December, Leaf centre Mel Hill fractured his ankle. This gave Kennedy his first opportunity to play regularly at the centre position, where he remained for most of his career.{{cite news|last=Lytle|first=Andy|title=Galloway Goes Prophetic Sees Hill 'Doing a Metz'|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=December 17, 1943|page=12|location=Toronto}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Star|title=Hap Scanning Horizons for First Aid to Benny|date=December 18, 1943|page=12}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Evening Citizen|location=Ottawa|date=December 23, 1943|page=8|title=Bruins Not Clicking Yet Says Cowley on Visit here}} In a January 8 game at Maple Leaf Gardens against the Boston Bruins, the mayor of Port Colborne presented Kennedy and Don Gallinger with gold watches on behalf of his town's citizens.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=January 10, 1944|title=Stop Look Listen|page=10}} Kennedy finished the season as the team's second best goal-scorer with 26 and was fourth in points. He was just 18 years old.{{cite web|publisher=HockeyDB.com|title=1943-44 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000381944.html|access-date=September 30, 2009}} In the playoffs, Toronto faced the powerful Montreal Canadiens. Although Toronto won the first game 3–1, they were then swept in the next four and eliminated from the playoffs.{{cite web|publisher=HockeyDB.com|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=nhl1927&season=1944&leaguenm=NHL|title=1943-44 NHL Playoff Results|access-date=September 30, 2009}} The Toronto Daily Star said of Kennedy's rookie season, "For our money the best rookie of the year though playing with one of the weakest lines in N.H.L. history."{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Victory Smiles and Defeat Blues!|date=March 29, 1944|page=10}} Kennedy was ineligible for the rookie-of-the-year award because of the two games he played with the Leafs at the end of the 1942–43 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/trophies/calder.html|title=Calder Memorial Trophy|access-date=August 29, 2015|work=National Hockey League|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060423011518/http://www.nhl.com/trophies/calder.html|archive-date=April 23, 2006|df=mdy-all}}

In only his second NHL season, Kennedy finished the 1944–45 regular season leading the team in goals and points with 29 goals and 25 assists. In the last game of the season against the New York Rangers, Kennedy's line-mates fed him pass after pass attempting to get him to 30 goals.{{cite news|newspaper=The Buckingham Post|date=January 10, 1947|location=Buckingham, Quebec|volume=51|number=32|page=6|last=Fitkin|first=Ed|title=Know Your Hockey Stars}} The Maple Leafs finished in third place and faced the Montreal Canadiens in the opening round of the playoffs. The Canadiens of 1944–45 were a record-breaking, powerhouse hockey team. Going into the playoffs, their coach, Dick Irvin, declared them as the greatest team to have ever played in the NHL.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Lytle|first=Andy|title=Sweeny Baffles Science Hap Turns Verbal Boxer|date=February 10, 1946|page=10}} The Montreal club had the top three point leaders in the league, placed 5 of the 6 positions on the first All-Star team,Diamond (1998) p. 106. Maurice Richard had scored his famous 50 goals in 50 games, Montreal had finished 28 points ahead of TorontoDiamond (1998) p. 267. and scored almost a goal-per-game more. As of 2009, Montreal's regular season winning percentage for 1944–45 is the fifth highest in NHL history and the year previously they had achieved the second highest in history and won the Stanley Cup.Dinger p. 158. The Leafs were given little chance of winning the series.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}

As with all NHL playoff series of the era, the winner was the first team to win four games of a best-of-seven.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=25433|title=Playoff Formats|publisher=NHL|access-date=May 31, 2019}} Going into the series, Hap Day made a critical decision to predominantly play only two lines of his best players to compensate for the Canadiens' depth in talent.Ulmer, p. 70. The first game was in Montreal and no goals were scored for the first two periods. In the third period, with just twenty-two seconds remaining and everyone anticipating overtime, Ted Kennedy banked a backhand shot off the goalpost which then rebounded off goaltender Bill Durnan's pads and into the net to win the game 1–0. The goal shocked the Montreal team, especially as the famed "Punch Line" had been held scoreless.{{cite news |first=Vern |last=DeGeer |newspaper=The Globe and Mail|title=Frankie McCool Blanks Canadiens As Kennedy Nets Last-Minute Goal|date=March 21, 1945 |page=15}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail |last=Coleman |first=Jim |title=by Jim Coleman |date=March 21, 1945|page=14}} In the second game, also in Montreal, Kennedy struck again only four minutes into the first period scoring the all-important first goal to put the Toronto ahead by 1–0. Toronto went on to win the game 3–2 and were able to leave Montreal with an unexpected 2–0 series lead.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=DeGeer|first=Vern|title=Leafs Humble Habitants Again; Kennedy, McCool, Carr Sink'em|date=March 23, 1945|page=17}}{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Stanley Cup Summaries|date=March 23, 1945|page=15}} Montreal won the next game in Toronto 4–1. In the fourth game in Toronto, Montreal got off to a quick start and led 2–0 on goals by Elmer Lach and Richard, his first of the series,{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Stanley Cup|date=March 26, 1945|page=9}}{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Lytle|first=Andy|title=Dick's Champion Gets Up Off Floor In Rebellion|date=March 26, 1945|page=8}} before the game was three minutes old. In the second period, Kennedy set up Mel Hill{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Three Up and One to Go Canadiens 'Sont La, Non!'|date=March 28, 1945|page=14}} to get Toronto back in the game and the Leafs went on to win in overtime.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Stanley Cup|date=March 28, 1945|page=15}} As Toronto needed only one more victory to win the series, Montreal was facing elimination in game five in Montreal. Maurice Richard finally overcame Leaf checking and scored four goals in an 11–3 victory.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Stanley Cup|date=March 31, 1945|page=10}} However, Toronto won the sixth game in Maple Leaf Gardens 3–2 to win the series and complete the shocking upset. In the game, Toronto's Elwyn Morris, a defenceman who had scored only one goal all season, sparked the Leafs when he stole the puck from Montreal defenceman Frank Eddolls to score the first goal of the game.{{cite news|last=Lytle|first=Andy|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Morris' Goal Breaks Jinx and Old Champion's Heart|date=April 2, 1945|page=12}} Eddolls was the player traded to Montreal to bring Kennedy to Toronto. This series is considered one of the greatest upsets in NHL history.Schlenker p. 5.

On completion of the Montreal series, the Globe and Mail said of the 19-year-old Kennedy, "Ted Kennedy's all-round display was the best individual performance of the six-game set."{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=DeGeer|first=Vern|title=Leafs Conquer Canucks Before 14,400 Limp Fans|date=April 2, 1945|page=15}} The Toronto Star was even more laudatory "There are a few great hockey players in the N.H.L. today. Kennedy is assuredly and emphatically one."{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Lytle|first=Andy|title=Speaking on Sports|date=April 2, 1945|page=12}} Kennedy said that the 1945 upset of the Canadiens was the peak event of his career.Coleman p. 91.

Toronto faced Detroit in the Stanley Cup Finals. Toronto won the first three games of the series without giving up a goal, as rookie goaltender Frank McCool recorded consecutive shutouts. Toronto then had to ward off a determined Detroit comeback bid, before winning the Stanley Cup in the seventh game.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1945.html|title=1944-45 NHL Season Summary|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=November 7, 2009}} Kennedy had continued with a strong performance against Detroit, scoring the game-winning goal in game 2, was chosen the first star (best player) of game 3 and scored all three goals in a 5–3 loss in game 5.

Conn Smythe realized the importance of finding the right line-mates for Kennedy, telling coach Hap Day in September 1945, "we must get something really rapid to team up with this guy and we'll be set for a decade with a first rate front line." Smythe's first attempt was to acquire future Hockey Hall of Famer Edgar Laprade, at the time a star in senior hockey{{cite web|url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=p199302&type=Player&page=bio&list=ByName#photo|title=Edgar Laprade bio at Legends of Hockey|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=September 23, 2009}} whose rights were owned by the New York Rangers. A deal could not be made as New York General Manager Lester Patrick was asking for several players in return.{{cite news|title=Speaking on Sports|first=Andy|last=Lytle|publisher=Toronto Daily Star|date=September 17, 1945|page=14}}

After the triumph of the previous season, the 1945–46 season was a complete loss for Kennedy. He got off to a slow start, beginning the season at right wing before being returned to his center position and he also fell ill. By January Kennedy had only 5 points in 21 games and was then lost for the rest of the season due to an injury to his foot, when a Boston Bruin player's skate dug into his boot.Fitkin (1950) p. 92. With the Leafs also losing Captain Syl Apps to injury Toronto missed the playoffs.{{cite news|title=Kennedy and Apps lost in 'Double Operation'|date=January 15, 1946|page=8|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star}}{{cite web|title=1945-46 National Hockey League [NHL]|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/nhl19271946.html|access-date=September 25, 2009|publisher=Sports Reference}}

On September 19, 1946, an informal ceremony was held in which former Leaf great Charlie Conacher presented Ted Kennedy with his No. 9 sweater he had worn during his career. Conacher had been Kennedy's boyhood hero, but when Kennedy arrived Lorne Carr already wore No.9. Kennedy was initially given No.12, then switched to No. 10. When Kennedy heard Carr was retiring, he immediately wrote a letter to Leaf management requesting No.9. His Leaf teammates had always teased Kennedy about his compulsion, so they contacted Conacher and arranged for the ceremony. Conacher, now working as a broker, explaining why he was willing to take time off work said "He's a good kid and a great player. You just can't disappoint a guy like that."{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Nickleson|first=Allan|title=Ted Kennedy 'Inherits' Chuck Conacher's No.9|date=September 11, 1946|page=17}}

Conn Smythe instituted a major rebuilding campaign for the 1946–47. Gone from the team was Sweeney Schriner, Lorne Carr, Bob Davidson, Mel Hill, Elwin Morris, Babe Pratt, Billy Taylor and new additions were Harry Watson, Jimmy Thomson, Gus Mortson, Garth Boesch, Joe Klukay, Don Metz, Vic Lynn and Howie Meeker.{{cite news|title=For few 'Sents' Leafs will reap Stanley Cup $$$|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=December 31, 1946|page=13|publisher=Toronto Star}} The team was very young, with six rookies in the lineup, and was felt to be two years away from challenging for the championship.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Vipond|first=Jim|title=Leafs Win Stanley Cup, World Title|date=April 21, 1947|page=18}} However, some of those rookies, such as Boesch and Meeker, had just returned from the war and were more mature than most. As Hap Day observed, "They'd been through real battles."

Kennedy said that during this period, with all the changes on the team and with players returning from the war he had to "re-establish myself as an NHLer."Batten (1994) p. 51.Hornby (1998) p. 42. Due to Kennedy's poor start to the previous season, there was some talk around this time whether Kennedy was going to turn out to be just a "wartime flash in the pan".Fitkin (1950) p. 100. Many of the players in the NHL during this period failed to stick with their teams once the war ended and the stars returned. However, Kennedy was one of the exceptions and he quickly became one of the team's greatest stars and a favourite of the fans.Frostino p. 49. "Come on, Teeder!" was to become a familiar rallying cry in Maple Leaf Gardens. The cheer, a howl that could be heard throughout the building, was performed by, the otherwise quiet, season ticket-holder John Arnott whenever the Leafs needed a goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/27533-former-toronto-maple-leafs-captain-ted-teeder-kennedy-dies-at-83.html|title=Former Maple Leafs captain Ted (Teeder) Kennedy dies at 83|publisher=Canadian Press|date=August 14, 2009|access-date=August 30, 2015}}

File:Foster Hewitt.JPG

Kennedy became famous across Canada from the radio broadcasts of Foster Hewitt.Smith p. 6. It was not until the 1952–53 season that hockey games were broadcast on television in Canada.Dryden (2000) p. 58.

Kennedy now centered a line between Howie Meeker and Vic Lynn and they clicked "immediately". These were the line-mates Smythe had been trying to find for Kennedy since 1945. Kennedy served as the playmaker between the fast skating and goal scoring of Meeker and Lynn. Meeker had just returned from the war and Lynn had come up from the American league and both were hungry to stay in the NHL. "We were very eager people", Kennedy recalled. The line soon acquired the nickname the "KLM" line.{{cite news|newspaper=The Toronto Star|last=MacLeod|first=Rex|page=D4|title=Come on-n-n Teeder!|date=April 11, 1987}}

At the end of the season Kennedy led the Leafs in points and they finished in second place to Montreal. In the first round of the playoffs Toronto faced Detroit. Except for a one-sided 9–1 loss in the second game in Detroit,{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=March 31, 1947|title=Leafs fell apart when Detroit started swinging|last=Perlove|first=Joe|page=12}} Toronto dominated the series and won in five games. Toronto now faced Montreal for the Stanley Cup. The match up was between the very young Maple Leafs and the veteran Montreal Canadiens who had dominated the NHL for the past four years. After Toronto lost the opening game by a one-sided 6–0, Canadien goaltender Bill Durnan was quoted in a Montreal newspaper as saying, "How did the Maple Leafs manage to get into the playoffs?"{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Coleman|first=Jim|title=By Jim Coleman|date=April 21, 1947|page=18}} Hap Day used the quote to inspire his team.Batten (1994) p. 54.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1947.html|title=1946-47 NHL Season Summary|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 1, 2009}}Diamond (1998) p. 268. In the second game, Kennedy opened the scoring at 1:12 of the game then assisted on line-mate Lynn's goal on the next face-off putting the Leafs up 2–0 at less than 2 minutes into the game.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Vipond|first=Jim|date=April 11, 1947|page=17|title=Richard Is Banned Indefinitely As Leafs Take Wild Game, 4–0}} Toronto went on to win the game 4–0. In game 3 Toronto had built a 3–0 lead by halfway through the second, but Montreal battled back to close the gap to 3–2. With Montreal pressing in the dying seconds of the game, Kennedy dug the puck out of a desperate scramble in front of the Toronto goalmouth, carried the puck up ice, then forcing goaltender Durnan to go down, he put the puck behind him to clinch the game.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Vipond|first=Jim|title=Maple Leafs Beat Canadiens; Take Series Lead|page=19|date=April 14, 1947}}{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Perlove|first=Joe|date=April 14, 1947|page=16|title=Leafs Go One Up Over Their So Sombre Rivals}} Toronto won game 4 in overtime 2–1{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Perlove|first=Joe|date=April 16, 1947|page=12|title=Boesch's Blocking Factor in Dramatic Leaf Win}} while the Canadiens won game 5 in Montreal 3–1. Kennedy's line came up with their best game of the series in game 6. Montreal had taken an early two-goal lead and appeared to be heading for a seventh game in Montreal. In the second period, Lynn tied the game with assists from Kennedy and Meeker. Then in the third with less than six minutes to go in the game Kennedy scored and Toronto held on to win the Stanley Cup.

Kennedy was voted the star in two of Toronto's wins in Montreal, scoring the winning goal in both, and was described as the most determined player in the playoffs. He still holds the NHL all-time record as the youngest player to score a Stanley Cup winning goal. Kennedy finished the playoffs leading the Leafs in points and was second overall. However, despite winning the Stanley Cup the Toronto Maple Leafs did not place a single player on either the first or second All-Star teams.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1947.html|title=1946-47 NHL Season Summary|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 16, 2009}}

The 1947–48 season brought Max Bentley to Toronto from Chicago in what has been called the biggest trade in NHL history as the Leafs gave up five regular players for the league's scoring leader.Dryden (2000) p. 50. Evincing the depth of the team at centre, Bentley played on the team's third line, behind Apps and Kennedy. Decades later, Hap Day argued that this team was the strongest NHL team ever{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Orr|first=Frank|title=Day's 1948 Leafs Best Ever In NHL?|date=January 8, 1963|page=19}} and The Globe and Mail reporter Dick Beddoes also stirred up controversy by saying Wayne Gretzky would have been relegated to the fourth line on this Leaf team.Batten (1994) p. 60.

The Leafs finished in first place at the end of the regular season.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1948.html|title=1947-48 NHL Season Summary|access-date=October 1, 2009|publisher=Sports Reference}} Kennedy had finished the regular season third in points on the team behind the other two star centres Apps and Bentley, but it was Kennedy who was to dominate the playoffs. In the first round Toronto played Boston and eliminated the Bruins in five games. Kennedy set up the tying goal which led to an overtime win in game 1 and scored four times in the second game.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1948.html|title=1947-48 NHL Season Summary|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 1, 2009}} But it was in the fifth and deciding for which he received greatest praise for his fore-checking tenacity and clutch goalscoring. First, with Toronto down 2–1 and the Bruins having the better of the play, he out-fought two Boston players for possession to get the puck to Bentley who in turn set up Lynn for the tying goal. Then later, Kennedy was carrying the puck into the Boston end. He passed to Meeker, who returned the pass, Kennedy faked once, moved in front of the net, forced goaltender Brimseck to go down, then lifted the puck over him.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Burnett|first=Red|title=Third-period Rescue by Kennedy Purges Bruins|date=April 5, 1948|page=12}} In the Cup Finals, Toronto swept Montreal in four straight games to win the Stanley Cup. Kennedy scored twice in the Cup-winning game and finished leading all players in the playoffs in points with eight goals and five assists and he was also not given a single penalty in the entire playoffs.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Stanley Cup Point-getters|date=April 15, 1948|page=24}} His checking and work in the corners has been credited as critical to the victory.

On the afternoon of Thursday, April 16, 1948, the Leaf players were greeted by thousands of Toronto fans as they got off the train from Detroit. They then rode open cars through a cascade of multi-coloured paper and ticket tape through Toronto's business district to arrive at a civic reception at City Hall. Speaking to the huge crowd, Conn Smythe announced that Kennedy was succeeding Syl Apps as captain who was retiring.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Vipond|first=Jim|title=Hero's Welcome for Maple Leafs|location=Toronto|date=April 16, 1948|page=17}} note: Kennedy, in the HHOF article, recalled that he was voted by the players as captain, but says this occurred in the "fall of 1948". However, Smythe had announced Kennedy as captain immediately following their Stanley Cup victory in April.

In the off-season, on Saturday, June 12, 1948, Kennedy married Doreen Dent of Toronto in Knox College Chapel in Toronto.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|title=Pictured after their marriage|date=June 14, 1948|page=15|location=Toronto}}Fitkin (1950) p. 116.

The Leafs struggled early in the 1948–49 season having lost Apps and Nick Metz to retirement, and then Kennedy for a month{{cite news|newspaper=The Owosso Argus-Press|location=Michigan|date=January 12, 1950|page=8|title=Hockey|agency=Associated Press}} and Cal Gardner for two months due to injuries.{{cite news|newspaper=The Evening Citizen|location=Ottawa|title=Gardner Back in Leaf Lineup|author=Canadian Press|date=January 17, 1950|page=17}} By the end of January, Toronto was only one point ahead of the last place New York Rangers who had even played two fewer games than Toronto.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Hockey Results|date=February 2, 1949 |page=13}} Kennedy's return to the team in mid-January provided the needed spark to pull the Leafs out of their prolonged slump.{{cite news|newspaper=The Gazette |location=Montreal |page=16 |last=Carroll|first=Dink|title=Playing the Field|date=January 31, 1950}} Although finishing the regular season with a losing record of 23 wins 25 losses and 12 ties, they were able to place fourth, which was the last position qualifying for the playoffs. However, in the first round of the playoffs they defeated Boston in five games. Kennedy had scored the game-winning goal which put Toronto up 3–0 in games.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Drooping Wings|date=April 14, 1949|page=19}} Toronto then faced the first-place Detroit Red Wings. During the season, Detroit General Manager Jack Adams said of the Red Wings, "This is the greatest team in my 22 seasons here."{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=March 10, 1949|page=22|title=if This is Preview of Things To Come It's Tough for Leafs|last=Burnett|first=Red}} However, Toronto swept the Red Wings in four straight games to win their third consecutive Stanley Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/NHL_1949.html|title=1949 NHL Playoff Summary|access-date=October 1, 2009|publisher=Sports Reference}} Kennedy finished the playoffs with two goals and six assists to lead the Leafs in points and was second only to Detroit's Gordie Howe overall.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=April 18, 1949|page=14|title=Stanley Cup Statistics}}

This was the first time a National Hockey League team had won three Cups in a rowDryden (2000) p. 51.Diamond (2003) Ultimate Prize p. 161. and had not been accomplished since the Ottawa Silver Seven in the pre-NHL era, 44 years before.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=25426|title=Stanley Cup All-time Champions and Finalists|website=National Hockey League|access-date=August 30, 2015}} The Leafs had also won nine consecutive Stanley Cup Finals games dating back to April 19, 1947 (initial cup won on this date, with the following two wins being finals sweeps). This Toronto Maple Leafs team is distinguished as the first dynasty in the history of the NHL.Diamond (1998) p. 92.

At the beginning of the 1949–50, Conn Smythe liked the Leafs' chances for continued success, saying, "We'll be hard to keep away from a fourth Stanley Cup,"{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Lytle|first=Andy|title=Speaking On Sport|page=18|date=September 16, 1949}} but as the season progressed many hockey people felt Detroit would end the Leafs' Stanley Cup streak.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|first=Red|last=Burnett|date=March 28, 1950|page=14|title=Does It All Depend on Turk Whether Wings End Leaf Playoff Reign?}} note: Burnett says a poll of 13 NHL veterans picked Detroit to win the championship. By the end of the season, Toronto had finished in third and Kennedy finished second on the Leafs in points.{{cite web|title=1949-50 Toronto Maple Leafs|publisher=Sports Reference|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000381950.html|access-date=April 2, 2010}}

The 1950 playoffs were overshadowed by an on-ice mishap in the opening game between Toronto and Detroit, in which the Red Wings' young star player, Gordie Howe, was seriously injured. Late in the game with Toronto leading 4–0, Kennedy stole the puck from Detroit defenceman Jack Stewart and was carrying it down the left wing about six feet from the boards into the Detroit end of the rink.Fischler (2002) p. 205. Stewart was pursuing him from behindKincaide (2003) p. 51 note: Kelly in recounting the incident decades later describes a stick being broken in the collision. However, this is the only reference which could be found to a stick being broken in contemporary or current records. and Howe was coming in fast from the side to try to cut him off. Kennedy saw Howe coming at the last moment,Fischler (2002) p. 206. and was able to dodge Howe's check while passing the puck to Sid Smith, but Howe could not stop and crashed head-first into the boards, with Stewart falling on top of him.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Burnett|first=Red|title=Butt-end Injured Howe Detroit Coach Claims but Teeder Denies|date=March 29, 1950|page=19}}McDonell p. 66.{{cite magazine |last=Fischler |first=Stan |date=November 27, 1967 |title=The Greatly Exaggerated Death of Mr. Howe |magazine=Sports Illustrated }} Howe sustained a concussion, facial fractures, and a lacerated right eyeball, and doctors had to perform emergency procedures on him at the hospital to save his life. Detroit coach Tommy Ivan and general manager Jack Adams accused Kennedy of deliberately butt-ending Howe.Diamond (1998) p. 615 Butt end: "the taped knob at the top of the stick, dangerous when used to hit a player". Kennedy had not been assessed a penalty on the play. After the game Kennedy said, "I don't know how he got it. I avoided his check along the boards and didn't feel anything hit me, although he may have struck my stick."{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Nickleson|first=Al|title=Howe Out, Severely Injured In Mishap Near Game's End|date=March 29, 1950|page=19}}

File:Clarence Campbell Stanley Cup 1957.jpg cleared Kennedy of wrongdoing and rebuked Detroit coach Tommy Ivan for accusing Kennedy of a deliberate attempt to injure the Red Wings' Gordie Howe.]]NHL President Clarence Campbell was at the game and was seated near where the incident occurred.Batten (1994) p. 69. After receiving a report from the game's officials, Campbell called a news conference and said the injury was not Kennedy's fault.Fitkin (1950) p. 134.Dryden (2000) p. 52.note: Campbell received written reports from referee George Gravel, linesman Sammy Babcock and stand-by official Melville Keeling which were largely in agreement, while linesman Bernie Lemaitre did not witness the play. According to the officials' reports in the Ottawa Evening Citizen of March 30, 1950: {{blockquote|Jack Stewart, of the Detroit club, started up the ice with the puck, but was checked by Kennedy, who took it away from him and started towards the Detroit goal. Stewart tried to backcheck, but failed to halt him. Just as Kennedy crossed the blue line (I saw) Howe cut across the ice towards him, skating very fast. Just before Howe got to Kennedy, Kennedy passed the puck back hand. Howe just brushed Kennedy slightly, crashed heavily into the fence and fell to the ice. Stewart fell to the ice. Stewart fell over on top of him and play continued for a few seconds as Toronto still had the puck.}} Campbell also publicly rebuked Ivan for his accusation, saying, "That is a pretty serious business and a very vicious charge."{{cite news|newspaper=The Evening Citizen|location=Ottawa, Canada|date=May 30, 1950|page=24|title=No Blame For Injury To Howe}} It was also argued that since Kennedy was a right-handed shot, the butt-end of his stick was towards the boards and away from Howe. Sportswriter Ted Reeve of the Toronto Telegram quipped, "How would a right-handed stickhandler going down the left boards give anyone a butt end? Unless he wanted to lift the snappers out of someone in the rail seats."{{cite news|newspaper=The Evening Citizen|location=Ottawa|date=March 30, 1950|page=24|title=Writer's View on the Howe Case}} Howe was lost from the playoffs, but the incident influenced the momentum of the series. Detroit won the second game of the series 3–1, a violent and fight-filled affair which included a stick-swinging incident between the Leafs' Jimmy Thomson and Detroit's Leo Reise and a fight between Kennedy and Ted Lindsay.{{cite news|title=Wings Beat Leafs To Square Playoff Series|newspaper=The Evening citizen (Ottawa Citizen)|date=March 31, 1950|page=22|author=The Canadian Press}} After the game, Campbell threatened the players with fines if the violent play continued, and both teams continued to play hockey for the remainder of the series.{{cite magazine|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Fischler|first=Stan|page=M3 |date=November 27, 1967|volume=27|issue=22}} However, Detroit was now determined to "win the series for Gordie"Fitkin (1950) p. 136. and defeated the Leafs in seven strongly-contested games to eliminate them from the playoffs, going on to win the Stanley Cup.

In recovery from his hospital bed, Howe said, "Ted is too good a player to deliberately injure another player."{{cite news|newspaper=Pittsburgh Press|date=April 5, 1950|author=UP|page=34|title=Howe Refused to Blame Kennedy}} Then, years later, while still believing that he had been hit by Kennedy's stick, Howe reiterated that there was no intent to injure on Kennedy's part and considered his injuries self-inflicted.MacSkimming p. 80.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Orr|first=Frank|date=August 14, 2009|title=Ted 'Teeder' Kennedy, 83: Captain of the Maple Leafs}}Note: Accounts vary of Howe's memory of the incident. McSkimming's Gordie: A Hockey Legend (2005) claims Howe believed he was struck by the butt-end of Kennedy's stick, but Ulmer's Captains (1995) has Howe saying it was not the butt-end and describes being hit by the blade as Kennedy followed through on the pass. However, the incident still continues at times to be described as a deliberate act by Kennedy. In 2001, The Sporting News ran an article on the 30 toughest players in the NHL. In referring to Howe's injury, the incident was described "he was knocked heavily into the boards by Toronto's Teeder Kennedy".{{cite news|newspaper=Sporting News|last=Wigge|first=Larry|title=The tough club|date=2001-04-02|page=50|volume=225|issue=14}}

Except for being left with a lifelong facial tick,Bidini p. 65. Howe made a full recovery and for the 1950–51 season as he finished the season leading the league in points.{{cite web |title=1950-51 NHL Season Summary|work=Hockey Reference|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1951.html |access-date=August 29, 2015}} The Maple Leafs finished in second place behind Detroit.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/nhl19271951.html|title=1950-51 National Hockey League|access-date=October 3, 2009|publisher=Sports Reference }} Kennedy finished second on the team in points behind Bentley{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000381951.html |title=1950-51 Toronto Maple Leafs|access-date=October 3, 2009|publisher=Sports Reference}} and tied with Howe for the league lead in assists with 43.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1951_skaters.html |title=1950-51 NHL Skater Statistics|access-date=November 4, 2009|publisher=Sports Reference}}{{cite journal|journal=Hockey Digest|title=Names and Numbers: NHL Yearly Leaders|date=April 2003}}p. 84. In the first round of the playoffs Montreal upset Detroit and Toronto defeated Boston.

The Stanley Cup Finals between Montreal and Toronto went five games, but is remarkable as each game required overtime to be decided.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=nhl1927&season=1951&leaguenm=NHL|title=1950-51 NHL Playoff Results|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 3, 2009}} In the third game, with the series tied at one game a piece, Kennedy both saved the game for the Leafs and won it. First, he prevented a goal by clearing a puck that was heading into the Toronto net, then, just fifty seconds later at the other end of the rink, he intercepted a clear-out pass from Montreal's Calum MacKay and scored to win the game.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Burnett|first=Red|title=Leafs Need Breaks to Overpower Stubborn Habs|date=April 18, 1951|page=16}} The fourth game was won by Toronto to lead the series 3–1.

It was in the next game of the series which Leaf defenceman Bill Barilko scored one of the most famous goals in NHL history with a goal in overtime to win the Stanley Cup.{{cite web|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/page.htm?bcid=his_1950s|title=Maple Leafs History: 1950s|website=National Hockey League|access-date=November 9, 2009}} However, without Kennedy's face-off skills Barilko's goal would not have occurred.White p. 12, 102 Montreal had been leading late in the game 2–1 and it appeared that the teams were headed to a sixth game in Montreal. With just 39 seconds remaining, Toronto was able to get a faceoff in the Montreal end. Toronto coach Joe Primeau had pulled the goaltender so they could have six skaters. Primeau had the option of changing his players, but decided to leave Kennedy out to take the faceoff against Canadien Billy Reay. Kennedy's plan on the faceoff was to get the puck to Max Bentley, who was stationed at the point.White p.11 Then Montreal coach Dick Irvin decided to switch and have his best forwards, the Punch Line, out for this critical faceoff. Kennedy faced Lach instead. Kennedy later recalled he was relieved at the switch as he had trouble with Reay on faceoffs, but when Lach came out he felt "I had a chance,"Shea p. 129. Kennedy won the faceoff from Lach, got the puck to Bentley and from the ensuing scramble around the net Tod Sloan tied the game. The goal dispirited the Montreal team and led to Barilko's famed overtime goal which won another Stanley Cup for the Leafs.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Burnett|first=Red|title=One Last Tip to the New Champs--Save Your Press Clippings|date=April 23, 1951|page=14}}

Following the 1951 cup, Kennedy said that without the Howe incident of the previous season, "we probably would have been the first team to win 5 in a row."

File:Lou Jankowski scores vs Ted Kennedy and the TO Maple Leafs.jpg 1950–51 season was Kennedy's last Stanley Cup. In the years following until Kennedy's retirement in 1957 the Leafs either finished out of the playoffs or lost in the first round. However, Kennedy continued to play productive hockey. The Leafs never missed the playoffs in the years Kennedy played a full season.

On October 13, 1951, the Leafs and the Chicago Black Hawks played an afternoon exhibition of hockey, prior to their regularly scheduled evening game, for Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II, during her visit to Canada. It was captain Teeder Kennedy, representing the players, who greeted the Princess at the game.{{cite news|newspaper=The Evening Citizen (The Ottawa Citizen)/Canadian Press|title=Royal Couple Saw "Leafs" Play Chicago|last=How|first=Douglas|date=October 15, 1951|page=30}}{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=October 15, 1951|page=15|title=1,500,000 Make Visit of Princess to City Memorable Occasion}} Kennedy said it was a thrilling moment and recalled thinking at the time, "Here's a kid from the little village of Humberstone, Ontario being presented to the Queen."note: NHL.com in the article "Lord Stanley and Son" By Phil Drackett [http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=25428] gives the incorrect date of the game as November 7, 1951. Contemporary newspaper accounts confirm the October 13 date. The 1951–52 season was dominated by Gordie Howe and the Red Wings as they finished the regular season in first and then swept third place Toronto in the first round of the playoffs and Montreal in second round without losing a single game.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1952.html|title=1951-52 NHL Season Summary|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=February 1, 2010}}

In a game in Boston in January of the 1952–53 season Kennedy suffered a separated shoulder in a scuffle with Milt Schmidt of the Bruins and underwent surgery.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=January 5, 1953|last=Perlove|page=9|title=Operate On Kennedy for Shoulder Injury; Bentley Still On Limp}} Originally thought lost for the season, Kennedy trained hard and was able to return to the Leafs in mid-March. However, Toronto still finished out of a playoff position.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Leafs Anxiously Await Saturday Night and Kennedy|page=16|date=March 9, 1953|last=Dunnell|first=Milt}} Despite missing more than two months of the schedule Kennedy still finished second in points on the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/1953.html|publisher=Sports Reference|title=1952-53 Toronto Maple Leafs Statistics|access-date=February 1, 2010}} For his efforts Kennedy received the J. P. Bickell Memorial Trophy which is awarded by the Maple Leaf Gardens board of directors as the player most valuable to the Leafs.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=June 10, 1954|page=29|last=Burnett}} Notes: Wikipedia uses the name the J. P. Bickell Memorial Award, however contemporary newspapers refer to it as a "Trophy" and the Leafs page on NHL.com refer to it as a "Cup".

For the 1953–54 season, Kennedy finished tied for second on the team in points and was elected to the NHL's 2nd All-Star team. The Leafs finished in 3rd place and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Detroit in five games.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/1954.html|title=953-54 Toronto Maple Leafs Statistics|access-date=February 12, 2010|publisher=Sports Reference}} At the end of the season, Kennedy announced his intentions to retire. Conn Smythe told reporters he had tendered Kennedy "the highest offer ever made a hockey player". This was a raise above his $25,000 yearly salary (approximately ${{Inflation|US|25000|1953|fmt=c|r=-4}} in {{inflation-year|US}} dollars) according to a contemporary newspaper report. However, Smythe said that Kennedy had told him that lately he felt "he hadn't produced in proportion to what he's been paid." Smythe insisted the Leafs needed Kennedy as Toronto was a young team.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Nickleson|first=Al|title=Leaf's Ted Kennedy Announces Retirement|date=April 5, 1954|page=23}}

File:Hhof hart.jpgSmythe was able to talk Kennedy into playing the 1954–55 season. At the conclusion of the season, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy, for most valuable player, and would be the last Maple Leaf to win the award until Auston Matthews in 2022.{{cite news |title=Maple Leafs' Matthews named winner of Hart Memorial Trophy after 60-goal season |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-toronto-maple-leafs-auston-matthews-wins-hart-memorial-trophy-2022-1.6496953 |last=Goodall |first=Fred |work=CBC Sports |access-date=June 22, 2022 |date=June 21, 2022}} To this point Kennedy had had an impressive career. He had played on five Stanley Cup teams, something no other NHL player had achieved at the time. Toronto had only missed the playoffs twice during his eleven years, one of which Kennedy was injured. By age 22 he had won three Stanley Cups and was the youngest player to have scored 100 goals. Yet, Kennedy had never won an award, nor been elected to a first All-Star team. Although he did finish third in the league in assists, awarding Kennedy the Hart was considered as much as an acknowledgement of his career as his performance in the season.Weekes p. 475. Kennedy along with first ever Hart recipient Frank Nighbor, are the only forwards to have won the award without finishing in the top ten in league scoring.Dryden (2000) p. 26.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/top_league.php?lid=nhl1927&sid=1955&leaguenm=NHL |title=1954-55 NHL League Leaders|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 4, 2009}} After the Leafs were swept in four straight games in the playoffs by the Detroit Red Wings, Kennedy announced his retirement. For the second time, Kennedy was awarded with the J. P. Bickell Memorial Trophy as most valuable Toronto Maple Leaf.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|page=23|date=June 14, 1955|title=Vote Kennedy Bickell Trophy as Leafs Best|last=Burnett|first=Red}}

After missing the entire 1955–56 season, he came out of retirement to play half of the 1956–57 season to help the Leafs who were short on players due to injuries and were struggling to make the playoffs. Kennedy returned November 27 to train himself back into shape after the Leafs had won only one game in their last 11.{{cite news|newspaper=The Gazette|location=Montreal|date=November 28, 1956|title=Kennedy To Try Comeback With Toronto Maple Leafs|page=28}} He scored 22 points in 30 games, but the Leafs finished out of the playoffs.Dryden (2000) p. 59. He shared the captaincy with Jim Thomson.{{cite news|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=August 16, 2009|title=Leaf Leadership|page=S2}} A highlight of the season was March 16, 1957, when the Maple Leafs scored 14 goals against the New York RangersFiley (2006) p. 39. and Kennedy got four assists in what is still the Leafs' all-time record for goals in a single game.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=March 18, 1957|page=12}}{{cite web|url=http://cdn.nhl.com/mapleleafs/bc/images/contentdelta/assets/history/all_time_club_records.pdf|title=Leafs Record Book 1927-2006|website=National Hockey League|access-date=November 7, 2009}} When it became clear the team was not going to make the playoffs, he sat out the last two games so the management could have a look at a young Frank Mahovlich. Kennedy said, "It was time for a new generation to lead the team." Mahovlich had practised with Kennedy the previous day and, in expressing regret at never having played in a game with Kennedy said, "Teeder Kennedy's last practice was my first."Mahovlich p.39

During Detroit Red Wing Ted Lindsay's attempts to form a players' union in the 1950s, he was approaching selected leaders among the other five NHL teams. Although Kennedy was the lone holdout, which greatly disappointed Lindsay, he still respected Kennedy for not informing Conn Smythe about being approached. "I won't squeal", Kennedy told him.Kincaide p. 108. According to Glenn Hall, Conn Smythe "ostracized" his captain when he discovered Kennedy had not told him about Lindsay's endeavours.Adrahtas p. 61. There was speculation that this led to Kennedy failing to land a job with the Leafs after retirement.{{cite journal|journal=Maclean's|last=Deacon|first=James|title=People: Back at centre ice: Players from the first All-Star Game reunite and reminisce about the old days|date=February 14, 2000}}

Kennedy continued for a short time after retirement as a salesman with Canadian Building Materials, with whom he had worked for during his hockey career in the off-season, but soon left the company.Coleman p. 92.{{cite news|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=MacLeod|first=Rex|title=Maple Leafs' Teeder Kennedy Is Voted Hart Trophy|date=May 6, 1955|page=23}} In 1957–58, he was the second coach of the Peterborough Petes OHA "Junior A" team before being succeeded by Scotty Bowman. After a successful season coaching Peterborough, Kennedy reportedly turned down an offer to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs prior to their signing of Punch Imlach.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Burnett|first=Red|title=Schriner ahead of the Big M|page=73|date=August 28, 1969}}

He returned to Port Colborne to raise thoroughbred horses, which was an occupation he had been involved during his hockey career. Kennedy owned the Faraway Hills Farm and the St. Marys Thoroughbred Training Centre in Ontario which included a quarter-mile indoor track.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Nickleson|first=Al|title=Gentleman Conn takes aim at Plate|date=January 12, 1972|page=31}} His horse, On Board, won the grand championship for stallions three times at the Canadian National Exhibition and at the Royal Winter Fair.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Faraway's owner has a faraway look|last=Dunnell|first=Milt|page=8|date=February 2, 1970}}

In 1966 Ted Kennedy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 1975, an arena in Port Colborne, the Teeder Kennedy Youth Arena,{{cite web|url=http://www.rinktime.com/skating_rinks/on/teeder_kennedy_youth_arena_skating_rink_arena_port_colborne_on.cfm|title=Teeder Kennedy Youth Arena Ice Skating Rink|publisher=RinkTime|access-date=September 19, 2009}} was named in his honour.{{cite news|newspaper=Niagara This Week|title=Arena Perfect Fit as Kennedy's Namesake|date=August 20, 2009|page=1}}{{cite news|title=He was the type of guy who got along with everybody|last=Vessoyan|first=John|newspaper=The Barrie Examiner|url=http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1701147|access-date=June 24, 2010}}

Kennedy was a steward with the Ontario Racing Commission from 1977 to 1985.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Former Leaf Kennedy quits ORC steward post|last=Slater|first=Tom|page=f6|date=April 12, 1985}} In June 1979, Kennedy was one of three stewards who scratched Come Lucky Chance from the $100,000 Canadian Oaks after the horse had thrown its rider prior to the race. Infuriated by the ruling was the horse's owner, 84-year-old Conn Smythe.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Filly Scartched Conn Smythe still seething|last=Cauz|first=Louis|page=B7|date=June 25, 1979}} Although, Smythe was quoted as saying, "I'll raise hell with only two of the stewards."{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=How Taylor rates his wins in the Plate|last=Dunnell|first=Milt|page=B1|date=June 29, 1979}} In July 1984, Kennedy was one of the stewards for the Queen's Plate, who ruled against an appeal by Larry Attard riding Let's Go Blue that he was interfered with by the winning horse Key To The Moon.{{cite news|title=What we hear|last=Longley|first=Rob|publisher=Canoe Inc.|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Longley/2007/06/21/4278680-sun.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714133759/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Longley/2007/06/21/4278680-sun.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|access-date=May 28, 2010}} note: article incorrectly states the incident occurred in the 1983 Queen's Plate. Kennedy was then head of security at Fort Erie Racetrack.

In 1987, Kennedy appeared along with Leaf defenceman of the 1970s, Jim McKenny, in an educational video for the Ontario Government on the dangers to athletes of drug and alcohol abuse. Kennedy, an abstainer, said he was always considered "one of the boys" on the team even through he did not drink. Kennedy's stellar career contrasted with McKenny, considered along with Bobby Orr as the best prospects in junior, had his career negatively impacted by alcoholism.{{cite news|newspaper=The Toronto Star|last=McAndrew|first=Brian|title=Ex-Leafs join the fight against drugs in sports|date=April 3, 1987|page=A2}}

During his retirement, Kennedy also participated in Old-Timers hockey for charity benefits.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|date=October 26, 1961|page=16|title=Come On Teeder!}}{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|title=Bentleys, Mosienko may play in benefit|date=April 2, 1968|page=14}} He was also an avid golfer, scoring a 215-yard hole in one in 1981 at Scarboro Golf and Country Club.{{cite news |newspaper=Toronto Daily Star |date=May 8, 1981 |last=Dunnell|first=Milt|title=Now an umpire is part-judge and part FBI|page=B1}}

File:Maple Leafs Banner 4.jpg in Toronto]]

On October 3, 1993, Kennedy, along with Syl Apps, were honoured in a pre-game ceremony by having banners raised at Maple Leaf Gardens.{{cite web|title=Honoured Players Process Different For Leafs|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42226|website=mapleleafs.nhl.com/|access-date=30 August 2015}}

In 1995, it was reported Kennedy had again returned to live in the hometown of his youth Port Colborne.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Proudfoot|first=Jim|title=Sportsmen's Corner now open for business|page=c3|date=November 24, 1995}} In 1999, Kennedy underwent hip replacement surgery.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star|last=Campbell|first=Ken|title=Ex-Leaf Thompson denies having financial woes|date=February 14, 1999|page=e4}}

Ted Kennedy was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.{{cite web |title=Teeder Kennedy |url=http://oshof.ca/index.php/honoured-members/item/58-teeder-kennedy |website=oshof.ca |publisher=Ontario Sports Hall of Fame |access-date=24 September 2014 |archive-date=December 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229011931/http://www.oshof.ca/index.php/honoured-members/item/58-teeder-kennedy |url-status=dead }}

Ted Kennedy died on August 14, 2009, in a Port Colborne nursing home, at the age of 83,{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/leafs-legend-teeder-kennedy-dies-1.795115|title=Leafs legend Teeder Kennedy dies|publisher=CBC|access-date=September 23, 2009 | date=August 14, 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=470050|title=Hall of Famer 'Teeeder' Kennedy passes away|access-date=September 30, 2009|website=National Hockey League}} of congestive heart failure. He is survived by his wife Doreen, son Mark, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.{{cite news|first=Frank|last=Orr|title=Ted 'Teeder' Kennedy, 83: Legendary Leaf|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=August 15, 2009|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/681607|access-date=September 23, 2009}}

Following the announcement of Kennedy's passing, many fans and papers published tributes, while former NHL players paid their respects. Jean Béliveau, a former member of the rival Montreal Canadiens, expressed sadness upon the news, stating "I was certainly happy to play against him, and I'm so sorry to hear (of his death)". He added, "He was a complete centreman, a good playmaker, a good passer, good on faceoffs."{{cite web|title=Former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Ted (Teeder) Kennedy dies at 83|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=470066| website = NHL.com|access-date=25 October 2015}} Brian Burke, the Leafs' general manager at the time of Kennedy's passing, issued a statement, reading "He truly was a man of great class and he was one of the most accomplished leaders in our team's long history." NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also issued a statement mourning Kennedy's loss.

{{Quote box

|quote = The National Hockey League family mourns the passing and cherishes the memory of Teeder Kennedy, the embodiment of Maple Leaf success. Teeder never wanted to play for any other team, and he never did. He always wanted what was best for the Leafs, and for 14 superb seasons, that is what he helped them achieve through his leadership, his incomparable work ethic and his ferocious will to win.

|source =

|align = center

|width = 50%

|author = Gary Bettman on Kennedy's passing

}}

Ted Kennedy never played for another team, never wanted to,{{cite web |title=Toronto Maple Leafs - Legends Row|work=Toronto Maple Leafs|url=http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/v2/ext/legendsrow/ |access-date=August 29, 2015}} and captained the Toronto Maple Leafs during its greatest era. He has been called the quintessential Maple Leaf.{{cite web|title=STATEMENTS & HANSARD:The Late Mr. Ted Kennedy|date=November 3, 2009|author=Senator Frank Mahovlich|publisher=The Liberal caucus in the Senate|url=http://www.liberalsenateforum.ca/In-The-Senate/Statement/7194_The-Late-Mr-Ted-Kennedy|access-date=January 9, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221035828/http://www.liberalsenateforum.ca/In-The-Senate/Statement/7194_The-Late-Mr-Ted-Kennedy|archive-date=February 21, 2011|df=mdy-all}} However, Kennedy was never voted to the first All-Star team. Frank Selke explained Kennedy "never made the first All-Star team because he lacked one thing – colour. He's been unlucky that way."{{cite news|newspaper=Gazette|location=Montreal|last=Carroll|first=Dink|title=playing the field|page=24|date=December 12, 1956}} On another occasion Selke had said, "Many times men were named who were not his equal in all-round effectiveness." Despite Kennedy's sparse acquisition of individual awards, many sportswriters consider Kennedy as possibly the greatest player to have played for the Toronto Maple Leafs.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=March 26, 1992|last=Proudfoot|first=Jim|page=c3|title=The Sutter boys could become NHL coaches}} Proudfoot refers to Kennedy as 'arguably the greatest Leaf'.{{cite news|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Ormsby|first=Mary|date=September 25, 2001|title=Harris: A skilled player, a gentleman}}{{cite news|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438345517|title=Harris: A skilled player, a gentleman|newspaper=Toronto Star|access-date=October 18, 2009 | first=Frank | last=Orr | date=September 25, 2001|id={{ProQuest|438345517}} }}Leonetti Maple Leafs Top 100 p. 16 John Iaboni writing the essay for Kennedy, 'He deserves to be considered the greatest Maple Leaf of all time.' In the book The Maple Leafs Top 100 Kennedy is ranked second only to Dave Keon as the best Toronto Maple Leaf of all time. While The Hockey News ranked Kennedy at only #57 on their list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players,Dryden (1998). in 2009 The Edmonton Journal published a list of top 50 NHL players of All-Time and Ted Kennedy finished at #10, ahead of all other Maple Leafs and such players as Howie Morenz and Patrick Roy. The list, with the intention of minimizing subjectivity, was compiled using voting for the Hart and Smythe trophies for most valuable player during the regular season and playoffs respectively. When the list was adjusted to account for the fact that goalies and defensemen are traditionally overlooked for the Hart, Kennedy's ranking even improved to #8.{{cite news|newspaper=The Edmonton Journal|last=Staples|first=David|page=C1|date=February 19, 2008}} The premise behind the Edmonton Journal method was by using contemporary voting, the subjectivity of opinion used in most similar lists would be eliminated. However, some opinion was used. While the Hart has been in existence since 1924, the Smythe was first awarded in 1965. The top five vote-getters for the Hart were available from the NHL. For the missing Smythe data, the voting done by experts for the Hockey News in 2001 was used.{{cite web|url=http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/hockey/archive/2008/02/18/gretzky-howe-lemiuex-ranks-as-nhl-s-all-time-mvps.aspx|title=Gretzky, Howe, Lemieux Rank as NHL'S All-Time MVPs|last=Staple|first=David|work=Edmonton Journal|date=February 18, 2008|access-date=October 5, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229041454/http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/hockey/archive/2008/02/18/gretzky-howe-lemiuex-ranks-as-nhl-s-all-time-mvps.aspx|archive-date=February 29, 2008|df=mdy-all}}

Kennedy had the reputation for excelling in the playoffs. He was the first player in NHL history to win five Stanley Cups and by just age 22 he had already won three Stanley Cups. Kennedy holds the Toronto Maple Leafs' all-time record for career points in Stanley Cup Finals with 23.White p. 103Podnieks p. 498. He is the youngest player in the history of the NHL to have scored a Stanley Cup winning goal when he scored the winning goal of game 6 in 1947 at 21.4 years of age.Weekes (2005) p. 526. Until the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009, with 22-year-old Sidney Crosby as captain, Kennedy shared the honours with Wayne Gretzky as the youngest captains to have won the Cup.{{cite web|title=Crosby doing what comes naturally|author=Star Phoenix (Saskatoon)|publisher=Canada.com|date=May 31, 2008|url=http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=eec5516e-35b0-4571-96bd-b9f90d6a0758|access-date=January 9, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602124905/http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=eec5516e-35b0-4571-96bd-b9f90d6a0758|archive-date=June 2, 2008|df=mdy-all}} In 2001 The Hockey News assembled a panel of five hockey experts to choose the winners of a "would-be" Conn Smythe Trophy, for best playoff performance, had the trophy been awarded prior to the 1964–65 season. Using microfilms of newspapers of the day and studying statistics and quotes from writers and coaches they chose winners from 1917–18 to 1963–64. Only Kennedy was chosen as many as three times for his playoff performances in 1945, 1947 and 1948.{{cite web|title=Conn Smythe Trophy Vote|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|url=http://www.hhof.com/html/newsconn.shtml#winners|access-date=January 9, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604140220/http://www.hhof.com/html/newsconn.shtml#winners|archive-date=June 4, 2011|df=mdy-all}} He is fourth all-time in playoff goals and sixth all-time in points for the Maple Leafs{{cite web|title=Hall of Fame 'Teeder' Kennedy passes away|website=National Hockey League|date=August 14, 2009|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=470050|access-date=January 10, 2010}}

File:Hhof vault rings.jpg

His face-off skills were highly regarded and it was considered invaluable. The April 27, 1998, issue of Sport Illustrated published "The Best Ever on the Draw", a poll of NHL experts of the top ten players of all time for skills on the faceoff, and Kennedy was ranked at #1.{{cite magazine|magazine=Sports Illustrated|title=Playoff Previews/Hockey: Face Off!|last=Farber|first=Michael|date=April 27, 1998}} Lloyd Percival once called Kennedy the "Billy the Kid" of hockey.{{cite news|newspaper=The Montreal Gazette|last=Percival|first=Lloyd|title=Hockey Hints|author-link=Lloyd Percival|page=23|date=January 31, 1961}} Derek Sanderson, considered the best at faceoffs in the late 60s and 70s, related how his father had him watch Kennedy on the TV to learn the skill. In a 1987 interview Kennedy told a reporter, "I went all-out at face-offs. Your centre is your quarterback and our other guys knew exactly what I was trying to do." In the 1970s, GM of the Leafs, Jim Gregory asked Kennedy if he would help the team to improve their face-off performance. Kennedy agreed but with one stipulation. "This can't involve (just) the centermen. It has to involve all five guys," Kennedy told Gregory and coach Roger Neilson. "Everyone has to be in tune. Everybody has a job to do. This is a team."{{cite news |url=http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/33982 |title=Remembering Ted Kennedy of the Toronto Maple Leafs |date=June 12, 2008 |last=Wharnsby |first=Tim (Toronto Globe and Mail) |publisher=Scripps News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120120543/http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/33982 |archive-date=2008-11-20 |access-date=March 11, 2014}}

Sources: Total HockeyDiamond, Dan (1998), Total Hockey p. 736. hockey-reference.com{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kennete01.html|title=Ted Kennedy|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=October 9, 2009}}

{{reflist|2}}

{{refbegin|2}}

• {{Cite book|last=Adrahtas|first=Tom|year=2002|title=Glenn Hall|isbn=1-55054-912-X|publisher=Greystone Books}}
• {{Cite book|last=Batten|first=Jack|year=1994|title=The Leafs: an anecdotal history of the Toronto Maple Leafs|publisher=Key Porter Books Limited|isbn=1-55013-561-9|url=https://archive.org/details/leafsanecdotalhi0000batt_x0x9}}
• {{Cite book|last=Bidini|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Bidini|title=Tropic of Hockey: My Search for the game in Unlikely Places|url=https://archive.org/details/tropicofhockeymy0000bidi|url-access=registration|year=2000|publisher=McClelland & Stewart|isbn=1-59228-517-1}}
• {{Cite book|last=Coleman|first=Jim|title=Legends of Hockey|publisher=The Penguin Group|year=1996|isbn=0-670-87174-5|url=https://archive.org/details/legendsofhockeyo00cole}}
• {{Cite book|last=Diamond|first=Dan|year=1994|title=Years of Glory, 1942-1967: the National Hockey League's official book of the six-team era|publisher=McClelland & Stewart Inc.|isbn=0-7710-2817-2}}
• {{Cite book|last=Diamond|first=Dan|year=1998|title=Total Hockey: The official encyclopedia of the National Hockey League|publisher=Total Sports|isbn=0-8362-7114-9|url=https://archive.org/details/totalhockeyoffic0000unse}}
• {{Cite book|last=Diamond|first=Dan|year=2003|title=Hockey's Glory Days: the 1950s and '60s|url=https://archive.org/details/hockeysglorydays0000diam|url-access=registration|publisher=Andrews McMeel Publishing|isbn=0-7407-3829-1}}
• {{Cite book|last=Diamond|first=Dan|year=2003|title=The Ultimate Prize: The Stanley Cup|isbn=0-7407-3830-5|publisher=Andrews McMeel Publishing|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/ultimateprizesta0000diam}}
• {{Cite book|last=Dinger|first=Ralph|title=National Hockey League Official Guide and Record Book|publisher=Dan Diamond and Associates, Inc.|year=2007|isbn=978-1-894801-14-0}}
• {{Cite book|last=Dryden|first=Steve|year=1998|title=The Top 100 NHL Players of All-Time|publisher=McLelland & Stewart Ltd.|isbn=0-7710-4175-6}}
• {{Cite book|last=Dryden|first=Steve|year=2000|title=Century of Hockey (Hockey News)|publisher=McLelland & Stewart Ltd.|isbn=0-7710-4179-9}}
• {{Cite book|author-link=Mike Filey|last=Filey|first=Mike|year=2006|title=Toronto Sketches 9: the way we were|publisher=Dundurn Press|isbn=1-55002-613-5|url=https://archive.org/details/torontosketches90000file}}
• {{Cite book|last=Fischler|first=Stan|author-link=Stan Fischler|year=2002|title=Detroit Red Wings Greatest Moments and Players|publisher=Sports Publishing LLC|isbn=1-58261-271-4}}
• {{Cite book|last1=Fischler|first1=Stan|last2=Fischler|first2=Shirley|title=Who's Who In Hockey|publisher=Andrews McMeel Publishing|year=2003|isbn=0-7407-1904-1}}
• {{Cite journal|last=Fitkin|first=Ed|title=Come on, Teeder!|year=1950|publisher=Baxter Publishing Company}}
• {{Cite book|last=Frostino|first=Nino|title=Right on the Numbers|isbn=1-4120-3305-5|publisher=Trafford Publishing|year=2004}}
• {{Cite book|last1=Goyens|first1=Chrys|last2=Turowetz|first2=Allan|year=1994|title=Lions in Winter|publisher=McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Limited|isbn=978-0-07-551712-2|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780075517122}}
• {{Cite book|last=Hornby|first=Lance|title=The History of Maple Leaf Gardens|publisher=Toronto Sun|year=1998|isbn=1-58261-015-0}}
• {{Cite book|last=Kincaide|first=Rich|year=2003|title=The Gods of Olympia Stadium: Legends of the Detroit Red Wings| isbn=1-58261-601-9 |publisher=Sports Publishing LLC}}
• {{Cite book|last=Leonetti|first=Mike|title=Maple Leafs Legends|year=2002|publisher=Raincoast Books|isbn= 1-55192-553-2}}
• {{Cite book|last=Leonetti|first=Mike|year=2007|title=Original Six Hockey Trivia Book|isbn=9780002007634|publisher=Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.}}
• {{Cite book|last=Leonetti|first=Mike|year=2007|title=Maple Leafs Top 100|isbn=978-1-55192-808-1|publisher=Raincoast Books}}
• {{Cite book|last=Mahovlich|first=Ted|year=1999|title=The Big M:The Frank Mahovlich Story|publisher=Sports Masters|isbn=978-1-58382-029-2}}
• {{Cite book|last=MacSkimming|first=Roy|author-link=Roy MacSkimming|year=2003|title=Gordie A Hockey Legend|publisher=Greystone|isbn=978-1-55054-719-1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/gordiehockeylege0000macs_z9c2}}
• {{Cite book|last=McDonell|first=Chris|title=Hockey's Greatest Stars|isbn=1-55209-332-8|publisher=Firefly Books Ltd.|year=1999|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/hockeysgreatests0000mcdo}}
• {{Cite book|last=Obodiac|first=Stan|year=1977|title=The Leafs: the First 50 Years|publisher=McClelland and Stewart Limited|isbn=0-7710-9064-1}}
• {{Cite book|last=Pitman|first=Walter|year=2008|title=Elmer Iseler: choral visionary|publisher=Dundurn Press|isbn=978-1-55002-815-7|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/elmeriselerchora0000pitm}}
• {{Cite book|last=Podnieks|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Podnieks|title=The Blue and White Book|year=1996|publisher=ECW Press|isbn= 1-55022-285-6}}
• {{Cite book|last=Schlenker|first=Phil|title=Let's Talk Hockey: 50 Wonderful Debates|year=2009|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=978-1-4401-2703-8}}
• {{Cite book|last=Shea|first=Kevin|title=Barilko Without a Trace|year=2004|publisher=Fenn Publishing Company Limited|isbn=1-55168-265-6}}
• {{Cite book|last=Smith|first=Ed|year=1988|title=Take it--it's good for you|publisher=Jesperson Press Ltd.|

isbn=0-920502-99-7}}

• {{Cite book|last=Ulmer|first=Michael|year=1995|title=Captains|publisher=Macmillan Canada|isbn=0-7715-7366-9|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/captains0000ulme}}
• {{Cite book|last=Weekes|first=Don|title=The Big Book of Hockey Trivia|publisher=Greystone Books|isbn=978-1-55365-119-2|year=2005|url=https://archive.org/details/bigbookofhockeyt0000week}}
• {{Cite book|last=White|first=Paul|title=Great centremen|publisher=Altitude Publishing|isbn=1-55439-097-4|year=2006|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/greatcentremenst0000whit}}

{{refend}}

• {{icehockeystats|legendsm=P196605}}
• [https://archive.today/20130116013552/http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=14266 History by the Minute, Ted Kennedy]

{{s-start}}

{{succession box | before = Al Rollins | title = Winner of the Hart Trophy | years = 1955 | after = Jean Béliveau}}

{{succession box | before = Syl Apps | title = Toronto Maple Leafs captain | years = 1948–55 | after = Sid Smith}}

{{succession box | before = Jimmy Thomson | title = Toronto Maple Leafs captain | years = 1957 | after = George Armstrong}}

{{s-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kennedy, Ted}}

Category:1925 births

Category:2009 deaths

Category:Canadian ice hockey centres

Category:Hart Memorial Trophy winners

Category:Hockey Hall of Fame inductees

Category:Ice hockey people from Ontario

Category:Sportspeople from Port Colborne

Category:Peterborough Petes coaches

Category:Stanley Cup champions

Category:Toronto Maple Leafs players

Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches

Category:20th-century Canadian sportsmen