Toronto Maple Leafs Rumors: Huge Update On Sheldon Keefe
Rumors today indicate that he is "likely" to be retained.
Elliotte Friedman on SN590: Much more likely than not Keefe will be the Leafs coach as of right now. Shanahan told prospective GM's that he was happy with Keefe and would like to keep him but ultimately GM's call. Very few candidates, if any, objected.
— Editor in J (@Account4hockey) May 31, 2023
Not many, if any, of the coaches that Brendan Shanahan interviewed were opposed to keeping Keefe behind the bench. And when it comes to the almost-certain new GM, Brad Treliving, he has apparently agreed that he doesn't object to retaining Keefe.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman said on Toronto sports radio on Wednesday morning, "From what I understand (Treliving) told them that he's more than willing to consider keeping him...
"Treliving is open-minded on that issue. He's prepared to meet and talk with Keefe and see if it makes sense," Friedman added. "I don't think that Treliving come (to Toronto) means it's guaranteed that Keefe is out. As a matter of fact, I think there's a decent chance that he ends up staying."
The coach has been at the reins for four seasons now, and has an impressive regular season record of 166-71-30 for a .678 winning percentage. The rub is in the Leafs' playoff performances — they are 13-17 in the post-season under Keefe, with only one series victory, coming in this year's first round.
Keefe's current contract expires at the end of next season. Even if he is retained, however, it seems doubtful that he'll be extended beyond the coming season. We should know more in the days ahead.
Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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