The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of several teams paying tribute to former player Forbes Kennedy who passed away at the age of 90.
The hockey world is in mourning with news that former NHL player Forbes Kennedy had sadly passed away at 90 years old. The 11-year veteran spent time with the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs from 1956-1969.
In that time he recorded 178 points in 603 games but was more known for his immense grit and heart, and not afraid to throw down with anyone despite his small stature at only 5'8, 150 pounds.
The Maple Leafs posted a tribute to Kennedy on their official X page on social media, with other teams offering tributes as well:
We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Maple Leaf Forbes Kennedy.
A fierce competitor and respected teammate, Forbes played 11 seasons in the NHL, including his final season as a Maple Leaf. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
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Kennedy only played 13 games with the Maple Leafs during the 1968-69 season and recorded three assists before retiring.
The Philadelphia Flyers also put out a tribute honouring Kennedy, and mentioned his heart and toughness as his top qualities:
The Flyers family was saddened to learn of the passing of Forbes Kennedy on May 25, 2026...He had a Tasmanian devil-like quality on the ice, whether it was battling for a loose puck or throwing rapid-fire punches with surprising force behind them.
If he lost a battle, he'd go right back at it the next time out. In fact, Kennedy's opponents grew weary of seeing him come at them repeatedly. There was absolutely no quit in the fiery forward.
Kennedy was most well-known though in Prince Edward Island, where he helped develop the future of players there and was integral to a lot of their hockey progress over the past 50+ years.
Former NHL player and head coach Gerard Gallant (affectionately known as Turk to Kennedy) who hails from Summerside, PEI, heaped huge praise on the former Maple Leaf for his love and dedication to the sport:
Every summer I came home from the NHL, he'd always have good words for you and definitely checking in on you. He was a guy who cared about P.E.I. and all the players that played there, and he probably had a good part to do with a lot of us getting the opportunity to play in the NHL.
It's a very sad day for PEI hockey indeed, and we here at Hockey Patrol would like to offer our sincere condolences and best wishes to the friends, family, colleagues of Forbes Kennedy through this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Forbes Kennedy
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