When you have a franchise as storied and rich in history as the Toronto Maple Leafs, you have a lot to draw back on. Unfortunately, it also means in the present day, you have a lot more, well, deaths to acknowledge, as those who played pivotal roles in the team throughout the years eventually succumb.

John Brophy, head coach of the Leafs for roughly two and a half seasons from 1986-88, has passed away at the age of 83.

The Leafs made the playoffs in both of the full seasons he coached: in 1987, they beat the St. Louis Blues in the first round, but fell to the Detroit Red Wings in a seven-game second round series. In 1988, those same Wings defeated the Leafs four games to two in the first round.

The Leafs were the only NHL team he ever coached, but he spent years upon years upon years in the game, particularly with the ECHL's Hampton Roads Admirals, which he coached from 1989-2000. He brought them three championships.

Rest in piece, sir. He had an absolutely long and fantastic hockey career.