Tim Peel calls out Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe

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Julien Trekker
April 19, 2024 (11:56)

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The former NHL referee Tim Peel called out the Toronto Maple Leafs' head coach Sheldon Keefe in another rant on social media.

Keefe raised a lot of eyebrows when he called Auston Matthews' quest for 70 goals a "distraction" for the team.

Tim Peel, the controversial ex-ref, shared his opinion about the situation in a recent podcast episode, that's going viral on social media.

"This Sheldon Keefe kind of bugs me. I don't know what it is about the guy, but he rubs me the wrong way. He made a comment that Auston Matthews, his pursuit of 70 goals, his exact words, 'obviously that's a major distraction. it doesn't help us with what were trying to accomplish on the ice, but its exciting, I get it. especially when he gets to 69,' Keefe said.

If I'm Auston Matthews, I'm going, I'm a distraction? I might win the Hart trophy as the most valuable player. I'm going to win the Rocket Richard trophy this year, easily and I'm a distraction? that's what bugs me about Keefe, he says some stupid things and sometimes I think he feels its all about him and not about his players, but to call him a distraction I think its very disrespectful.

I think its disgusting he would call his player a distraction because he's trying to get to 70 goals."

In our opinion, considering that the Leafs already had clinched a playoff spot, this is not a distraction. It's something that Matthews' teammates wanted for him and were ready to help him achieve it. A common goal that would've been very good for the locker room.

By saying it was a distraction, Keefe showed that he doesn't unerstand how to lead, not like Jon Cooper, head coach of the Lightning, who stood behind Kucherov in his quest for 100 assists.

Do you think Keefe should be fired this summer if the Maple Leafs don't win the Stanley Cup?

Source: Maple Leafs Daily - Ex-NHL ref disgusted with Keefe over remarks about Matthews

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AVRIL 19 \| 1613 ANSWERS Tim Peel calls out Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe Do you think Keefe should be fired this summer if the Maple Leafs don't win the Stanley Cup?
Yes	1242	77 %
No	371	23 %
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