Conn Smythe & J.P. Bickell New owners of the newly named Toronto Maple Leafs

Conn Smythe: The Man Who Gave the Leafs Their Name

Following his service in the First World War, Major Conn Smythe returned to Toronto with only his Army salary and proceeds from the sale of land in Cochrane, Ontario. Ever resourceful, Smythe started a sand and gravel business north of the city — an operation that not only supported him financially, but also gave Toronto Maple Leafs players a way to stay in shape and supplement their modest salaries during the off-season.

Pallbearers at Conn Smythe’s funeral:

Friday, November 21, 1980, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Toronto. 

• Syl Apps
• Bob Davidson
• Hap Day
• Ted Kennedy
• Dave Keon
• Darryl Sittler
• Sid Smith
• Jim Thomson

In 1927, Smythe made a bold move that would forever shape hockey history. Alongside millionaire J.P. Bickell, he purchased the Toronto St. Patricks from Charles Querrie for CA$200,000 (approximately $3.11 million in 2021 dollars). Just weeks later, on February 14, 1927, Smythe renamed the team the Toronto Maple Leafs, a tribute to Canadian soldiers who wore the maple leaf during the war.

Conn Smythe would go on to manage and own the team as principal owner from 1927 to 1961, building the foundation of what would become one of the most storied franchises in professional sports. His legacy is cemented not only in the team’s name, but also in the building that bore his own: Maple Leaf Gardens, often referred to as “The House That Smythe Built.”

On February 14, 1927, an ownership group headed by Conn Smythe, purchased the Toronto St. Patricks and renamed them the Maple Leafs.

Conn Smythe, Captain of the University of Toronto Varsity Juniors Hockey Team in 1914.

Conn hired many Leaf players at the grave pit in the offseason to earn some extra money and keep in shape. Conn with Tim Horton.