Sheldon Keefe, who was recently confirmed as the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach, nevertheless experienced a few weeks of doubt.
The transition from the Kyle Dubas era to Brad Treliving’s could have been more chaotic, but the Leafs eventually made it into continuity by reaffirming their faith in the 42-year-old Pilot.
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“When Brad told me I was coming back, he also told me about a contract extension, but he has a lot on his list right now,” Keefe said on the sidelines of Thursday’s draft. I understand that. When the time is right, we will sit down and discuss what is best for the organization and for me.”
In fact, the Leafs coach for the past four years has viewed his situation as a hiring process. He managed to convince a new CEO to offer him the job.
“I see it as a bit of a revival,” he admitted. It’s a new relationship. I didn’t know Brad at all. First of all, I am grateful and happy for the trust Brendan Shanahan has placed in me. He first gave me a chance to chat with Brad.”
In recent weeks, several current Maple Leafs players, including veteran Morgan Rielly, have reaffirmed their faith in Keefe. The Ontario native has led Toronto to the playoffs four times in as many seasons.
The departure of an accomplice
Dubas’ decision to leave the Leafs and join the Pittsburgh Penguins sent Keefe into a period of uncertainty. The two men have followed each other for more than a decade, trading with the Soo Greyhounds (OHL) and the Toronto Marlies (AHL) before Dubas gave Keefe a chance in the National League.
“I was left out. “It was out of my control and there were a lot of things that needed to be sorted out,” he said weeks before Treliving was canceled. [Nous devions] Give Kyle some space and let the process continue. I’ve worked with Kyle for a very long time and he’s been a huge part of my career.”
“I’ve grown tremendously by working with him. He’s done a great job of putting our organization in a very good position,” added Keefe, who didn’t show emotion when discussing his accomplice.
Toronto achieved a 50-21-11 record in 2022/23 and easily made the playoffs. They advanced to the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2004 by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. The Florida Panthers defeated them in the next round.