Ted Kennedy unveiled as 1st member of Maple Leafs 'Legends Row'

Toronto Maple Leafs legend Ted Kennedy will be among the first three former players to be honored with a bronze statue on the team's new "Legends Row."

Kennedy and the other legends will have a home on a 30-foot granite bench outside Gate 5 at the Air Canada Centre. More players will be unveiled as the team approaches its centennial season in 2017.

"Legends Row will be a fitting tribute that honors many of the greatest players to ever wear the Maple Leaf while giving our fans the chance to feel a part of that history," team president Brendan Shanahan said on Thursday. "We are thrilled to include Ted Kennedy, a player who always gave everything he had to his team, and two other Leaf greats, as the first three players to be recognized."

Kennedy helped the Maple Leafs win five Stanley Cups from 1945 to 1951 and won the Hart Trophy in 1955. He recorded 560 points in 696 regular-season contests, adding 60 points in 78 playoff games – all with Toronto.

Ted Kennedy's son, Mark, spoke on behalf of his family at the announcement, saying they are honored to know Ted will be among the first on the bench.

"I know that the idea of being immortalized in his No. 9 Maple Leafs sweater, alongside some of the best players to ever play for this great franchise, would bring a tear to his eye," he said.

The other two players will be unveiled during Fan Fest on the first week of September. Legends Row will debut on Sept. 6.