 On March 3 , 1943 , Kennedy signed a professional contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs , but management of the Leafs still wished to see Kennedy playing in an NHL game . Late in the 1942 – 43 season , they received permission from Kennedy 's mother to take him out of school so he could accompany them on a road trip . He played in two of the final three games of the regular season , but did not continue with them into the playoffs . Making his NHL debut March 7 , 1943 , against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden , he was put on the Leafs ' third line on rightwing , instead of his customary centre position , on a line with Bud Poile and Gaye Stewart . He was told by coach Hap Day to simply " stay with your check and keep him from scoring . " Kennedy 's line scored three goals and he picked up one assist in a 5 – 5 tie . He then picked another assist in the next game in Boston . Kennedy had impressed the Leaf coaches , but his rights were still " officially " owned by the Montreal Canadiens . 
