In July 1979, Leafs owner Harold Ballard brought back Punch Imlach, a longtime friend, as general manager.
They finished five games under .500 and only made the playoffs due to the presence of the Quebec Nordiques, a refugee from the WHA, in the Adams Division.
The Maple Leafs had stars such as Darryl Sittler, Mike Palmateer, Lanny McDonald, Tiger Williams, Borje Salming and Ian Turnbull.
Leafs' owner Harold Ballard fired General Manager Jim Gregory and Head Coach Roger Neilson.
In Brewer's first game in Moncton, New Brunswick, King Clancy and Johnny Bower showed up to watch him play.