Brad Treliving reveals why he fired Sheldon Keefe

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Julien Trekker
May 9, 2024 (10:33)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs' general manager Brad Treliving reveals why he fired Sheldon Keefe in an official statement.

The Leafs finally confirmed it: Sheldon Keefe has been fired as head coach on Thursday morning, after five years working behind the bench in Toronto.

"The #LeafsForever have relieved Sheldon Keefe of his coaching duties."

General manager Brad Treliving opened up on this difficult decision in a statement, saying that the organization believes it's time for a new voice to lead the team to their ultimate goal.

Per David Pagnotta:

"Leafs GM Treliving: «Today's decision was difficult. Sheldon is an excellent coach and a great man; however, we determined a new voice is needed to help the team push through to reach our ultimate goal. We thank Sheldon for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the last nine years, and wish him and his family all the very best.»"

With the Leafs' disappointing playoffs elimination against the Boston Bruins, many people were waiting to see if the organization would fire Brendan Shanahan, Sheldon Keefe, or both.

It looks like they chose to let Keefe go, despite the great job he did this season. He worked through a lot of challenges and still manage to lead his team to the playoffs.

However, that's where it got more complicated. Even if he managed to force a seventh game despite a 3-1 deficit, and both Auston Matthews and William Nylander missed a few games, it's a league of results. If the Leafs had reached the second round, things could be completely different today. Unfortunately for him, it didn't happen.

He shouldn't struggle to find another job in the League, as he did a consistant job in one of the NHL's toughest markets.

Do you think Sheldon Keefe will work as a head coach in the NHL next season?