Sheldon Keefe Breaks his Silence on his Struggles in Toronto with his Former Team

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Chris Gerics
October 10, 2024 (9:29 PM)

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Sheldon Keefe had success during the regular season as head coach of the Maple Leafs but failed in the playoffs, something Keefe spoke of ahead of Thursday's game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves with a very respectable 212-97-40 record under Sheldon Keefe, often finding themselves at the top of the Atlantic Division and being a consistent offensive threat every night. However, for as successful as the team was, they only managed one playoff series win in six seasons; a failure by all accounts. Toronto decided a change was needed so Keefe was given the boot and Craig Berube was hired to lead the Maple Leafs.

Ahead of Thursday's game against his former team; one that will see the first time the Maple Leafs faced a former coach in nearly a decade, Keefe took time to speak to the media about his experiences in Toronto and their decision to let him go:

"I got nothing but love & respect to the people on the other side ... I do think the team is in a really good place. Love the moves that Tree made in the off-season. The team is as good as it's ever been & I wish them nothing but the best."

Keefe also spoke about the failures Toronto had in the playoffs under his watch, and understands the pressure he was under and how he felt like he couldn't bring the team to glory and that it haunts him:

«I started in what many would describe as the most difficult and challenging environment in the league - and many coaches in this league have reminded me of that,» Keefe said. «I leave there forever disappointed in myself that I wasn't able to help push that team over the line. But I know I'm a better coach, and a better person, having gone through it.»

It's understandable to see why Keefe would be disappointed, as the wealth of talent the Maple Leafs had that couldn't get it done led to the coach's undoing. It's no secret Toronto is one of the hardest teams to coach for due to unrelenting pressure from fans and media, so Keefe understands that part of that lack of success was due to his faults, and was often criticized for walking back comments or not being a stern enough voice for Toronto.

But Keefe is all smiles as he heads into Thursday's game against Toronto, already 2-0-0 to start his Devils coaching tenure, and hopes that the team he once led isn't going to be as deadly as they were when he was in charge:

"I'm looking forward to getting a taste of it from this side and hope we get through it without them throwing anything at us like they did a few years ago."

POLL
Should GM Brad Treliving have fired Sheldon Keefe and hired Craig Berube?
Yes, he was bad for the team!	126	72 %
No, he deserved another chance!	35	20 %
Hired a different coach altogether	14	8 %
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