In a monumental announcement that has stirred the hearts of hockey fans across generations, Dave Keon—legendary centerman of the Toronto Maple Leafs—has officially been named the Greatest of All Time in National Hockey League history. Beating out an elite field of icons including Peter Forsberg, Mark Messier, Mario Lemieux, and Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Keon’s crowning as the NHL’s ultimate player marks a moment of triumph for the Maple Leafs franchise and its storied past.
The accolade, awarded by a panel of historians, former players, executives, and fans as part of the NHL’s Centennial Legacy Campaign, recognizes not just stats, but the full breadth of a player’s impact—on the ice, in the locker room, and across generations. Keon’s selection is a powerful validation of his quiet dominance, unmatched consistency, and the elegant excellence with which he played the game.
For Leafs fans, this recognition is long overdue. Keon was the engine behind Toronto’s golden era of the 1960s, anchoring the team to four Stanley Cup victories—including the fabled 1967 championship, which remains the franchise’s last to date. His speed, defensive acumen, and uncanny ability to control the tempo of a game made him one of the most complete players in league history. Often underappreciated in discussions dominated by flashier superstars, Keon built his legacy on two-way brilliance, leadership, and a relentless work ethic that made him indispensable.
Statistically, Keon finished his NHL career with 986 points in 1,296 games, but numbers alone don’t capture his greatness. He was the heartbeat of the Leafs, the calming force when chaos erupted on the ice, and the player teammates turned to when games were on the line. His Selke-worthy defense came long before the award was invented, and his ability to shut down opposing stars set the standard for centermen across generations.
This honor also brings emotional resonance to a fanbase that has waited decades to see its legends get their due. Keon’s complicated relationship with the organization in past decades is well-documented, but in recent years, there has been a heartening reconciliation between the club and its greatest captain. Today, that healing feels complete. The announcement comes not just as a celebration of his greatness, but as a moment of unity between the Maple Leafs and the proud tradition they represent.
In naming Dave Keon the Greatest of All Time, the NHL has sent a powerful message: excellence is about more than highlights. It’s about consistency, class, and the quiet domination that only the truly elite can achieve. While names like Gretzky and Orr often lead the conversation, Keon’s name now takes its rightful place atop the pantheon of legends.
For Toronto, this is not just a celebration of one man—it’s a revival of pride. It’s a moment that echoes from the rafters of the Scotiabank Arena to the living rooms of lifelong fans who remember watching Keon carve through opponents with grace and grit. It’s a reminder that greatness lives in the fabric of the Leafs’ crest and that the ghosts of the past are worth honoring.
Today, the city of Toronto and the hockey world stand together to salute the king of centermen. Congratulations, Dave Keon—forever the Greatest of All Time.