Brad Treliving Reveals The Reason Behind Sheldon Keefe's Return This Season

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James Connelly
June 28, 2023 (10:06)

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Brad Treliving shocked many fans when he decided to keep Sheldon Keefe around and has now revealed why he decided to keep the coach who lacks NHL postseason success.

Treliving Explains Why He Retained Sheldon Keefe

When it was announced that Brad Treliving would be keeping Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe around, many were puzzled.

Keefe lacks postseason success with the Leafs and did not make the necessary adjustments to compete in the playoffs, contrary to other top coaches.

Many thought Keefe's days in Toronto were numbered after Treliving took the helm but Treliving's due diligence may have saved Keefe's job.

"He has a bright mind. I think he's open to change. I think he is strong in his beliefs, but he also doesn't think he has all the answers. He has worked with Kyle a long time, but sometimes a little bit of new, a little bit of fresh can help." - Brad Treliving regarding Sheldon Keefe

No Better Choice

Many GMs would come into the organization and just clean house without a second thought but not Treliving.

He knows that the Leafs have generated plenty of regular-season success so they are clearly doing something right.

By meeting with Keefe and building a relationship between the two, Treliving was able to justify keeping Keefe around given the relatively weak coaching market.

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily -
Leafs GM Brad Treliving reveals rationale behind bringing Sheldon Keefe back this season