Ley spent six years as the Whalers' captain and was one of three players in Hartford Whalers' history to have his jersey number retired (#2), joining Gordie Howe and John McKenzie.

Following the Whalers move to Raleigh, the Hurricanes ceased to honor Ley's #2 and McKenzie's #19, and returned the numbers to circulation, although #2 was re-retired by the Hurricanes, this time in honor of Glen Wesley.

In 2010, he was elected as an inaugural inductee into the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame.

He was then hired by former Leafs defence partner Pat Quinn to coach the Vancouver Canucks IHL affiliate in Milwaukee.

In 121 regular season games as head coach, the Canucks posted a record of 47–48–26.