This comes after Leafs general manager Brad Treliving let Keefe go after the team lost game seven to the Boston Bruins in the first round this year. It was the fourth time in his five years as head coach of the team that the Leafs had lost in the first round.
However, Treliving made it clear that the move was about getting a new voice in the room rather than punishing Keefe for not being good enough. He actually defended the job Keefe did even after letting him go.
Keefe returned the favor in his introductory press conference with the Devils. He made it clear that he has no hard feelings towards Treliving, or anyone else in the organization. As such, it seems like the decision was mutual.
Now the Devils find themselves asking questions the Leafs have been in recent years. Can Sheldon Keefe get this team into the playoffs again?
That much seems pretty reasonable. The team should be good enough next season to at least get in. However, whether or not they will make a serious run is up in the air. Hopefully for the Devils, things work out despite his lack of playoff success in Toronto.
Source: MapleLeafsDailySheldon Keefe surprisingly complimentary of Brad Treliving after being fired.
POLL | ||
29 MAI | 550 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe compliments Brad Treliving during introduction with Devils Do you think Sheldon Keefe will win a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils? | ||
Yes | 101 | 18.4 % |
No | 449 | 81.6 % |
List of polls |