Former Maple Leaf Suggests Hall of Fame Goalie as New Head Coach replacing Sheldon Keefe

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Evan Doerfler
June 5, 2023 (5:35 PM)

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A surprising new Leafs head coach candidate has arisen amid the uncertainty of replacement.

With the Leafs hiring their new general manager Brad Treliving last week, discussions have already begun to revamp in correlation with the Maple Leafs head coaching situation.

The team's current head coach, Sheldon Keefe, got the team past the first round for the first time since 2004 but was surprisingly eliminated in round two to the Florida Panthers in five games.

As now-former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas was fired, many assumed Keefe would be right behind him.

On top of that, the fanbase and media of Toronto have been suggesting Keefe's firing in what is believed the team needs as a possible new voice, a culture shock if you will.

On the other hand, Elliotte Friedman suggested on the weekend the possibility of the Leafs extending Keefe, giving him a short leash under Treliving.

With all this uncertainty, one former Leaf, in particular, believes that now is the time for change, while the Leafs remain in the "win now" window.

Former Maple Leaf Kris Versteeg is encouraging that the Leafs chase Hall of Fame goaltender and Quebec Remparts head coach, Patrick Roy.

Coming off of a QMJHL championship and a Memorial Cup win, Versteeg told the JD Bunkis podcast that he would make the change right now if he could.

"Patrick Roy... I would do it tomorrow. I would do it today. I'm not even kidding. When I watched him coach the game yesterday his team was dialed in. I think he's learned what he needs to do at the NHL level to be successful. I'm vouching for him. I want him here. I'm watching that game (Memorial Cup Final) and thinking why not the NHL? Maybe bring Simon Gagne with him to help him more on the offense. I start looking at that as a great fit" Versteeg said.

Patrick Roy's Track Record

After taking to the bench for the Colorado Avalanche for the 2013-16 seasons with a 130-92-24 record, Roy has the experience of working under superstar talent and within a winning culture.

As a Quebec native, a GM and head coach of his hometown team, it would most certainly take a lot of persuasion and movement with the likeliness of him bringing in his own staff being high.

As Versteeg put it, Roy has previous experience, he's learned what it takes to be successful as a player and a coach in the NHL, and claims the Leafs should be looking at him as "a great fit".

Credit Maple Leafs Daily:
Former Leaf wants to replace Sheldon Keefe with a Hall of Fame goaltender as head coach