Stanley began his career in the Ontario Hockey Association, playing for the Oshawa Generals. He was a two-time OHA First Team All-Star and won the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the league's top scorer in 1947-48.
Stanley made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1948-49. He was a key part of the team's Stanley Cup championship in 1951 and was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 1952. He was traded to the New York Rangers in 1954 and was a member of the team's Stanley Cup championship in 1956.
Stanley was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1967 and was a member of the team's Stanley Cup championship in 1969. He retired after the 1969-70 season and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.
Throughout his career, Stanley was known for his strong defensive play and his ability to read the game. He was a two-time NHL All-Star and won three Stanley Cups. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981 and his number 3 was retired by the Flyers in 1990.
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