The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who was fired, finds a new NHL position quickly.
The Toronto Maple Leafs experienced notable regular-season success under Sheldon Keefe over the last five seasons, a level of achievement that stands out in the franchise’s 107-year history. However, the team’s repeated early exits from the Stanley Cup playoffs led to a critical decision: Keefe was relieved of his duties on May 9.
In a swift turnaround, the New Jersey Devils announced Keefe as their new head coach just two weeks later. This rapid hire speaks volumes about Keefe’s reputation and the urgency within the Devils’ organization to bring about a significant change.
“This is an exciting time, and I’m honored to be a member of the Devils organization,” Keefe said. “To have the chance to lead this young, dynamic team and to see the potential that can still be unlocked is all very attractive for me.”
The Devils have had a rough decade since their impressive run to the Stanley Cup Finals under Peter DeBoer in 2012. They have only qualified for the playoffs twice since then, with their sole series victory occurring last year under Lindy Ruff. This season, the Devils struggled under Ruff, starting 30-27-4, leading to his replacement with Travis Green on an interim basis in March. Unfortunately, things did not improve, as the team went 8-12-1 under Green, finishing seventh in the Metropolitan Division and missing the playoffs.
For the Devils, the appointment of Keefe signals a fresh start and a commitment to building a competitive team. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald expressed his enthusiasm for the new hire, highlighting Keefe’s strengths and the rigorous selection process.
“This was an invigorating process for me, having met with many qualified candidates and hearing how attractive this position was to them,” Fitzgerald said. “Sheldon jumped to the top of my list when he became available, and I was thrilled when he agreed to be a part of what we are building here. He is an excellent communicator, believes in collaboration, and will take what he has learned previously to make this team a Stanley Cup contender.”
Keefe’s tenure with the Maple Leafs is marked by a remarkable winning percentage of .648, the highest for any coach with at least five seasons in NHL history. His success came in the intense media environment of Toronto, where expectations are sky-high. Despite impressive regular-season records, Toronto’s passionate fan base, starved for a Stanley Cup since 1967, found Keefe’s inability to secure deep playoff runs a significant shortcoming.
Under Keefe, the Maple Leafs saw regular-season success that only one other coach in the team’s history has surpassed, and that was Frank Carroll in the 1920โ21 seasonโa vastly different era. However, the ultimate goal, a Stanley Cup victory, remained elusive.
For the Devils, hiring Keefe is a strategic move aimed at capitalizing on his proven regular-season success and hoping to translate that into playoff achievements. Keefe’s experience in a high-pressure market like Toronto is seen as a valuable asset that could help turn around the fortunes of the Devils.
The Devils are poised for a potential resurgence with a young, talented roster and a coach known for fostering team cohesion and communication. Keefe’s commitment to collaboration and his tactical acumen are expected to be the keys to unlocking the team’s potential.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have moved on, appointing Craig Berube as Keefe’s replacement. Berube will inherit a team with high expectations and the perennial goal of ending Toronto’s long championship drought.
As Keefe embarks on this new chapter with the Devils, both organizationsโToronto and New Jerseyโface seasons filled with renewed hope and high stakes. The hockey world will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold and whether Keefe can finally lead a team to the Stanley Cup glory that has so far eluded him.