The Toronto Maple Leafs are sticking with head coach Sheldon Keefe. The franchise announced on Wednesday that Keefe inked a new multi-year deal, putting an end to rumors surrounding his future.
The Maple Leafs didn’t reveal the details of the contract, but it is reportedly a two-year extension. Keefe had one year left on his previous deal.
“Coaching this team has been a great privilege, and I’m truly excited at the opportunity to continue building towards our ultimate goal,” Keefe said in a statement released by the team.
Keefe led the Maple Leafs to a 50-21-11 record and second place in the Atlantic Division last season. The team went on to advance to the second round of Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Despite a promising run, it appeared that Keefe might be out after Toronto hired Brad Treliving as their new general manager. However, Treliving opted for consistency, believing that the Maple Leafs could make another step forward with Keefe at the helm.
“Since I’ve joined the Maple Leafs, I’ve been very impressed with Sheldon,” Treliving said. “He has shown great leadership skills with his staff and our players and has a clear vision for this team and where it needs to get to.”
Sheldon Keefe started to venture into coaching after finishing his brief playing career in 2006. He coached in various lower leagues since then, including CCHL and OHL, before being hired by Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies in 2005. During his time with the Marlies, he won the Calder Cup in 2017-18.
Keefe took over the Maple Leafs for a shortened 2019–20 NHL campaign and made the playoffs in each season he was in charge. He has a 166-71-30 head coaching record in the NHL.
