"The monumental deal, transformational for the Chicago Black Hawks and Toronto Maple Leafs, reverberated throughout the NHL. Even President Clarence Campbell weighed in, saying he was 'astounded.' Bentley, after all, excelled in Chicago over five seasons, earning the Hart Trophy as most valuable player for the 1945-46 season and leading the League in scoring twice (1945-46 and 1946-47).
"Bentley, an electric performer, enjoyed immense popularity in Chicago. Nobody realized that more than Bill Tobin, president of the struggling Black Hawks. As Edward Burns reported on the big news that day in the Daily Tribune: 'The swap was broached more than a week ago in Toronto when Connie Smythe, managing director of the Leafs, suggested the deal after Tobin had gone there, screaming for help. Tobin was reported to have said that he wanted to 'talk it over with his mother.' At the time the reply was interpreted as a facetious comment by Tobin, who had been waving $100,000, not the deed to Bentley, in his belated effort to strengthen his cellar Hawks. Then he went to Ottawa and conferred with his mother.'
"The Maple Leafs sought the man, not the money, and the Black Hawks received forwards Gaye Stewart, Gus Bodnar and Bud Poile plus defensemen Bob Goldham and Ernie Dickens -- an entire unit, sans goalie. Stewart had won the Calder Trophy as best rookie in 1943 and Bodnar followed with the Calder in 1944. So the Black Hawks acquired quality and quantity, and needed both. Still, they would not make the Stanley Cup Playoffs again until 1952-53, by which time Bentley won the Cup three times in Toronto: 1948, 1949 and 1951."
Artist Tony Harris said painting Bentley in the blue and white of the Maple Leafs was a great experience.
"Max Bentley is a player that my father [a lifelong Maple Leafs fan] would talk often about when reminiscing about Toronto's past glory," he said. "My resource material was a black and white promotional photo, and bringing it to life with color was a lot of fun. The old felt Maple Leaf logo and woolen sweater were particularly rewarding."
Brad Park, a physical presence at 6-foot, 200 pounds, was an excellent passer, puck-handler and shooter during 17 seasons with the Rangers, Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings.
Park made the NHL First All-Star Team five times and the Second All-Star Team twice. He was an eight-time runner-up for the Norris Trophy, finishing second mostly because of the one defenseman who was second to none and who also inspired him; Bobby Orr of the Bruins.