Sheldon Keefe's Recent Remarks Could Justify His Dismissal from the Leafs

PUBLICATION

Dave Colabelli
February 7, 2024 (5:58 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

On monday, Sheldon Keefe the Maple Leafs head coach called out his teams defense based on their recent play. The Leafs are ranked 2nd in the NHL for goals against, and the only reason they're in a playoff spot is for their high scoring offense. Keefe called out his team and said they play "peewee" level defence. These remarks can cause a large stir in the Leafs dressing room.

Keefe's comments put his job at a great risk

"This is the National Hockey League. That's Peewee stuff."

Sheldon Keefe was not impressed with the Leafs allowing the Islanders to bury on a breakaway straight out of the box.

He then when on to mention how much he believes in his player's and feels that the group hasn't given their 100%.

«We've got a good team here. We've got good players,» Keefe said. «As a coaching staff, we need to do a better job with them and work with them and help them recognize our own goal in getting the team to play to its potential.
«I think we've done that, I would say, about 50 percent of the games � we've been really good,» Keefe continued. «That's not enough. That's not enough in the NHL.»

There is very clearly a disconnect in the leafs dressing room. Usually at this time of the year, the Leafs sit comfortably in the top 5 in the NHL overall standings and sit second in their division. The Leafs are currently only in a wildcard spot 4 points ahead of the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils who are trying to crawl themselves back into it. They sit 4th in the divison, tied with the Detroit Red Wings. GM Brad Treliving isn't scared to shake things up such as making a coaching change to give his team the best shot at a playoff spot.

More details to come.

As read on: Keefe latest comments put job in danger