Sheldon Keefe's Recent Comments About His Time With the Maple Leafs Somewhat Unexpected
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe talks about his time as head coach in Toronto, speaks highly of Craig Berube ahead of return to Scotiabank Arena.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently stuck in 3-game a losing streak, having dropped games to Carolina, Vancouver and Dallas over that stretch, and in disappointing fashion. On Thursday, they will host the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena, hoping to snap the skid.
In a twist of fate, the game will mark the first time former head coach Sheldon Keefe returns to Toronto to face his former team. Keefe, who led the Leafs from 2019 to 2023, recently spoke about his tenure in Toronto during an appearance on TSN's First Up radio show.
As pet LeafsLatest on X, Keefe expressed gratitude for his time with the Maple Leafs:
"I was treated with great respect and fairly during my time there. I have no ill will toward anyone -- media, fans, or otherwise. I was given a great opportunity, and I didn't deliver. We didn't get it done as a team, and that's why you move on."
He also acknowledged the coaching change as a positive development for both himself and Craig Berube, the current head coach for the Maple Leafs. Keefe praised Berube's impact on the team on Wednesday, saying:
"Looking back, I think it's been good and healthy for everyone. Chief has done a tremendous job with the team, and I feel good about where I'm at now. I'm better for all the experiences I had there -- that's just the reality of this league."
Keefe went on to discuss the nature of coaching in the NHL, noting how it's common for coaches to be let go even after success. He also reflected on his time in Toronto with appreciation:
"You're hired to be fired. Even Chief, who won a Stanley Cup in St. Louis, was let go. It's just the nature of coaching. Still, I feel fortunate to have spent nine years in Toronto, provided stability for my family, and grown as a coach in such a great organization."
With Keefe now in a new chapter of his coaching career, there are clear stylistic differences between his approach and that of Berube.
Keefe is known for his high-powered, offensive system, giving his star players ample opportunities to generate scoring chances. In contrast, Berube is more focused on a defense-first mentality, placing a premium on team defense before offensive production. Berube is also known for his flexibility, often changing lines on the fly to adapt to the game's flow.
Another notable difference is Berube's straightforwardness in addressing his team's performance. Whether they win or lose, Berube is candid about the team's strengths and weaknesses. He's quick to hold players accountable when they underperform, yet he's also willing to acknowledge positives, even in a loss.
As the Maple Leafs look to regain their footing, they will face a tough challenge against Keefe's New Jersey Devils. With the team desperately needing a win, there will likely be added urgency to secure a victory against Keefe's squad.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 16 | 1833 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe's Recent Comments About His Time With the Maple Leafs Somewhat Unexpected Which coaching style do you prefer in Toronto? | ||
| Craig Berube | 1128 | 61.5 % |
| Sheldon Keefe | 152 | 8.3 % |
| Neither | 218 | 11.9 % |
| Both are/were good | 335 | 18.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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