The 82-year-old was not able to attend the festivities held during the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend because of a bout with COVID-19, but he did offer his thanks in a video shot Friday.
"On a personal note, teams that I was involved with did have some success," Keon said. "Winning a [Stanley] Cup is hard. And you have to have everyone on board. We did."
The award is presented to a former player who has applied the intangibles of perseverance, commitment and teamwork developed through the game into a successful post-career transition. Keon is the 21st winner of the honor.
Keon, a forward who won four Stanley Cup championships with the Toronto Maple Leafs (1962, '63, '64 and '67) is starting to feel better, said son Dave Keon Jr., NHL senior manager, event communications and player development.
"He hadn't had COVID yet and it was a rough week, but he has seemed to turn the corner," Keon Jr. said.
Keon had 986 points (396 goals, 590 assists) in 1,296 NHL games with the Maple Leafs and Hartford Whalers over 18 seasons from 1960-82. The native of Noranda, Quebec won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 1961, the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship in 1962 and 1963, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 1967. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
"My favorite moment in hockey was winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in 1962," Keon said. "It wasn't the best team, but one of the best teams that I've ever played on. I'm very pleased to be honored by the NHL alumni."
As part of the luncheon honoring Keon, his son and Orr accepted a custom art piece by Canadian artist David Arrigo on Keon's behalf.
"Dave was a true generational talent," said Glenn Healy, executive director and president of the alumni association. "His incredible speed and tenacity laid the foundation for the style of play that we celebrate in the game today.
"Through his determination on the ice and support of his fellow NHL alumni off of it, Dave embodies what it means to be a first-class hockey player and person. For us, there is no one more deserving of this year's award."
