NHL Insider reports that a former Leaf could have a say in Sheldon Keefe's future with the team
Coming off of an 1-2-2 Western road trip, Leafs fans and the media are questioning the if Sheldon Keefe has much runway left. While this is his fourth season as Head Coach, it is technically only his second full season. Not only that, but along the way he has set some franchise records in wins, points and points percentage as well.
The main issue this season is that the Leafs are, once again, off to a rocky start. The Buds' 4-4-2 record doesn't seem horrendous, but when you look at the underlying numbers, their play has been significantly worse. While Keefe's job is likely safe due to the fact he is Kyle Dubas' "guy", Elliotte Friedman made an interesting suggestion on his latest "32 Thoughts" podcast where he noted that a former Leaf and current front office member may have a say in any decision on Keefe.
I think because Jason Spezza is going to be a player in this front office. I think for years to come and we know he takes it seriously, I just wonder how much they're leaning on him for his thinking - because he knows the players. He has really good thoughts about the league. I really wonder if this could be a situation where Spezza's imprint begins to be made on this organization.
Jason Spezza retired just this off-season and was a fan favourite and locker room favourite, so he has a great deal of understanding of what is happening in the room. Not just between the coaches, but specifically between the players. He became good friends with the likes of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, which means there is no one better in management that understands what they want and what they need.
Given his presence in the league and how much of a student of the game he is, Spezza knows more than people think and has a lot to offer in his new role in management, including knowing if Keefe has indeed lost the room or not. It would appear that Dubas also trusts him and his opinions, so while Dubas may want to hang on to Keefe and hope the team rebounds, an outside opinion of the "Shanaplan" may very well be what the team needs to get things going and over the playoff hump. If there's a guy who knows the current climate of the team and how the dynamic between the team and the coaching staff, it's Spezza. His voice is important here.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 31 | 612 ANSWERS NHL Insider reports that a former Leaf could have a say in Sheldon Keefe's future with the team Does Jason Spezza deserve to play a key role in deciding what should happen with the teams and its current coaching staff? | ||
| Yes | 464 | 75.8 % |
| No | 88 | 14.4 % |
| Not sure | 60 | 9.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
