2007 Upper Deck 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Forum

Card pictures the Conn Smythe Trophy, not the player.   Any ideas why ?  Something to do with his vendetta against the team ?

He may not have authorized the use of his likeness for use in this set. UD could have done it like this to honor his achievement while honoring the his desires. There are examples of players not allowing themselves to appear on card, Kevin McReynolds, ARod, Barry Bonds to name a few recent example. In the Bowman/Topps days in the 50s many players only appeared in one of the 2 sets due to exclusive rights.  

The only thing I could find as to MAYBE why would be this....

After leading the Maple Leafs in scoring again in 1966-67, the Maple Leafs would win the Stanley Cup as Keon was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, the only Maple Leaf to ever win the trophy named for the former owner of the club.  (from http://thirdstringgoalie.blogspot.com/2013/11/1966-67-toronto-maple-leafs-dave-keon.html)

I believe Dave Keon was at odds with the club up until the Shanahan-era. I don't recall what the issue was, but I feel like that might be the key reason.

I found this: He had played 16 years for the franchise when Harold Ballard refused to sign him to a fair contract following the 1974-75 season. To make matters worse, the stubborn owner wouldn’t grant his release either.

It seems like this was the reason he wasn't involved with the Maple Leafs much until Shanahan had his number retired.