New GM Brad Treliving reveals where he currently stands on Sheldon Keefe
With the Toronto Maple Leafs hiring Brad Treliving as the 18th general manager in franchise history, one name has largely flown under the radar in terms of where he should stand on the priority list. That name, of course, is Sheldon Keefe. After being defeated in 5 games by the Florida Panthers, the head coach looked to be on his way out of town well before his general manager. However, as we stand here today, Keefe outlasted Kyle Dubas, and rumours have died down considerably about his future.
Treliving talked about it briefly today at his press conference, giving him a vote of confidence but not shutting the door on parting ways either:
"I said to Sheldon, it's a unique situation. We're all big boys here. There's been a change, that's the business. My outside lens, I think he's a really good coach. But determining whether a guy is good, bad or indifferent, you have to work with him, get to know him»
"I'm coming in with no preconceived notions, I went to Calgary 10 years ago, Bob Hartley was there, didn't have a relationship with Bob, Bob was the coach of the year, I think in my first year in Calgary. So, I think Sheldon has done a lot of really really good team things, I look at how a group of really skilled players has gotten better in checking and defending and doing those things that you need to win. So we're gonna sit down and have a thorough process and try to do it as quickly as possible and come to a conclusion."
In 4 seasons with the Maple Leafs, Keefe posted a 166-71-30 record in 267 games, won the North Division in 2020-21, has come in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division in back-to-back seasons, and has a 13-17 post-season record with one series win.
Treliving understands Keefe's seat was hot before his arrival. He knows about the vitriol thrown his way since the playoffs ended, but still wants to give him an even playing field as they look towards the future and who could be the best head coach for this group. He wants to get this process over with sooner rather than later, so something tells me that they already have a general understanding of where they sit with Keefe as of today.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 2 | 425 ANSWERS New GM Brad Treliving reveals where he currently stands on Sheldon Keefe Will Sheldon Keefe survive the final year of his deal in Toronto? | ||
| Yes, he'll play out the last year of his deal | 212 | 49.9 % |
| No, he'll be fired in-season | 88 | 20.7 % |
| No, he'll be gone this summer | 125 | 29.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
