 Conn Smythe realized the importance of finding the right line @-@ mates for Kennedy , telling coach Hap Day in September 1945 , " we must get something really rapid to team up with this guy and we 'll be set for a decade with a first rate front line . " Smythe 's first attempt was to acquire future Hockey Hall of Famer Edgar Laprade , at the time a star in senior hockey whose rights were owned by the New York Rangers . A deal could not be made as New York General Manager Lester Patrick was asking for several players in return . 
