The Shocking Betrayal Behind Red Kelly’s Blueshirts Trade That No One Saw Coming

Back in the 1959-60 NHL season, something unfolded that would make today’s league commissioner, Gary Bettman, raise an eyebrow — or maybe two. You see, the legendary Clarence Campbell, NHL president at the time, pulled the plug on a trade involving the New York Rangers that had all the hallmarks of a classic swap but ended with a twist none saw coming. Rangers GM Muzz Patrick was ready to send Bill Gadsby and Eddie Shack to Toronto in exchange for Red Kelly and Billy McNeill — a deal that on paper looked like a win-win. But Kelly? Well, he didn’t exactly roll with the punches. Instead of donning Rangers blue, he opted for retirement — or so it seemed — and then quickly became an instrumental force behind Toronto’s Stanley Cup victories. Meanwhile, Gadsby moved on without ever hoisting the Cup himself. It’s one of those lost-in-time moments that still leaves you scratching your head at what could have been. LEARN MORE

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman would never let it happen in today’s NHL President Clarence Campbell did ‘way back when, and the Blueshirts were the victims.

It all took place in the 1959-60season, Rangers GM Muzz Patrick dealt defenseman Bill Gadsby and forward Eddie Shack to Toronto.  In addition to Leafs defenseman Red Kelly, New York also would obtain forward Billy McNeill on Feb. 5, 1960

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On the surface the exchange seemed reasonable all around. Gadsby and  Kelly wound up in the Hall of Fame while Shack and McNeill proved to be useful second liners.

There was only one problem; the deal never was officially made.  Kelly chose to retire than play for a Blueshirt sextet run into the ice – or ground, if you will – by Patrick.

“As it happened,” said Associated Press reporter Shelly Sakowitz, “Kelly never intended to retire. He got an offer to play for Toronto and accepted.

Leafs boss Punch Imlach moved Kelly up to center and he helped Toronto win four Cups in six years.”

Campbell killed the original deal while Gadsby later was traded to Detroit. Postscript: Gadsby played 20 years in the NHL but never for a Cup-winner.