Former Maple Leaf Shares True Thoughts About His Relationship With Sheldon Keefe

Published September 9, 2023 at 10:08
BY JULIEN TREKKER

Sheldon Keefe signed an extension after many rumors suggested he wouldn't be back behind the Leafs' bench. This came as a surprise to many, but not to Pierre Engvall, the former Leafs player.

Former Leaf Opens Up on his Relationship with Keefe

During an interview on Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek's podcast, 32 Thoughts, Engvall only had kind words for his former coach, Sheldon Keefe.

"I think when Keefe came in, he knew what I could do in the AHL and he believed that I could do it in the NHL, too. After my first game there, I got my goal and I think from then on, I understood, like, what I did in the AHL maybe I can do in the NHL."

"I felt like he believed in me, but he also could tell me I needed to play better. Laughs. We had a pretty good relationship, I think. But he told me when I didn't play well. He was honest about that."

We can now see why Treliving decided to keep Keefe. He has the ability to build relationships with players and support them in a way that players appreciate.

Engvall Talks About Toronto's Market

In the same interview, the former Leaf also talked about the implications of playing for the biggest NHL market.

"Obviously, it can be a challenging market to play in, especially with the media," Engvall told Friedman and Marek about Toronto.

"But I think you can use it to your advantage, too. The media was always good to me and everyone was really kind. I have nothing negative to say about that. You can feel there's more pressure there, I think. You can sense it in the air, somehow.

"I think it was great to play for Toronto. And I believe it really prepares you for what's coming next. I had a wonderful time there and I feel I developed well playing for Toronto."

There you have it, folks! Engvall spoke candidly about his time in Toronto and while not all players might view the Leafs' market in the same light, it's insightful feedback that can reassure fans about Keefe's extension.

As seen on The Hockey News - 'He Believed in Me': Engvall Looks Back on Relationship With Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe

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September 9 \| 864 answers Former Maple Leaf Shares True Thoughts About His Relationship With Sheldon Keefe Would you like to see Engvall back in Toronto?
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No	588	68.1 %
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