Darren Dreger reveals the front-runner to replace Sheldon Keefe

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Graham Montgomery
May 8, 2024 (4:02 PM)

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One change that could come is behind the bench as NHL insider Darren Dreger revealed today that Craig Berube could replace Sheldon Keefe as head coach.

Dreger stated this morning that he believes the Maple Leafs will be making a change at the head coach position. After all, it is far easier to move on from a coach than it is to make a blockbuster trade, especially when the team's core players all have trade protection.

Dreger considers it "more likely" than not there is a coaching change in Toronto. Considers Berube a "top contender" for the job. Leafs want experience. (Yes I know they had this before but I'm sure they prefer a guy who won't make players write a list of other lazy players then sewer that player to the rest of the team) 👍🏼

There has been much discussion surrounding the Leafs since their playoffs loss, much of it centered around Sheldon Keefe and whether or not the team should replace him. Craig Berube has been floated as a popular candidate by many throughout the hockey world.

Should Craig Berube be the Leafs next head coach?? 👀

Sheldon Keefe is currently the 5th longest tenured coach in the league despite the fact that he has just one playoff series victory in his time with the Leafs. Each of the four coaches ahead of him have at least eight times as many wins and three of them have at least one Stanley Cup.

NHL Most Tenured Head Coaches & Playoff Series Wins

1. Jon Cooper 18 + 2 Cups
2. Mike Sullivan 9 + 2 Cups
3. Jared Bednar 8 + 1 Cup
4. Rod Brind'Amour 8
5. Sheldon Keefe 1

Furthermore, Sheldon Keefe admitted that the Leafs beat themselves in the playoffs. While That is ultimately an inditement on the coaching staff, as it is their responsibility to make sure the players stick to their game and force the other team to earn their chances.

"When teams play the Leafs, they set up the game for the Leafs to beat themselves."

HC, Sheldon Keefe after the Maple Leafs loss to the Bruins in Game 7.

With all of that being said, it is certainly time to move on from Keefe. Whether or not Leafs management agrees with that remains to be seen.