Conn Smyth was able to keep the Toronto NHL franchise in Toronto by doing what to the St. Pat's executive board?

Conn Smythe was successful in keeping the Toronto NHL franchise in Toronto by appealing to civic pride and emphasizing the importance of the team to the local community. By playing the "civic" card, he highlighted the significance of the team not only for the city but also for its identity and cultural fabric. This strategic move helped to rally support from various stakeholders, including fans and civic leaders, ensuring that the team remained in its home city. Fostering a sense of community and belonging around the team was crucial in garnering the necessary backing to prevent relocation.

While securing additional funding and potentially increasing the salary package could be important in a business context, they don't have the same emotional and community-centered impact that the civic appeal carried. Rebuilding the team from scratch also speaks to a different aspect of team management that might not directly relate to the retention of the franchise in its original location. Hence, emphasizing civic pride was a key factor in Smythe’s efforts to stabilize and maintain the team's presence in Toronto.