In wake of Leafs playoffs failures, Sheldon Keefe starts ‘fresh’ in New Jersey
Reflecting on his five-year tenure and six playoff appearances, Sheldon Keefe asserted, “I’m a far better coach than when I arrived in the NHL.” Drummondville’s Alexis Gendron discusses their final round robin game at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow.
If Keefe’s experience is to be built upon, it will benefit the New Jersey Devils, not the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Keefe shared his optimistic outlook during Tuesday’s introductory press conference at the Prudential Center in Newark, marking the beginning of a four-year contract and a “fresh start” after being dismissed from the Leafs following their latest post-season disappointment.
Keefe, now the 22nd coach in Devils history, was Toronto’s 21st since Punch Imlach last won the Cup in 1967. He had more resources than most of his predecessors, including all-star forwards and a multi-major trophy winner in Auston Matthews.
Despite impressive regular seasons, including three consecutive 100-point campaigns, the Leafs repeatedly faced heartbreak in the playoffs, losing four times in the first round in deciding games.
For a team that has missed the playoffs in 10 of the past 12 years, Keefe’s playoff record is seen optimistically. He’s younger than his immediate predecessors, Lindy Ruff and Travis Green, and inherits a team with top scorers all aged 26 or younger, similar to the demographic he started with in Toronto when the outlook was bright.
Keefe was asked about accountability, not only from the unmet potential in Toronto but also in light of his new general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s expectations following the Devils’ exit meetings in April.
“Accountability is integral to a successful team,” Keefe said. “Players must be accountable to themselves and their responsibilities, and to each other. Actions should match ambitions. As a coach, fostering this environment is crucial. Expectations should be earned, and setting them early is important. I expect to be held accountable as well.”
Fitzgerald and the Devils’ management praised Keefe’s regular-season achievements, including a Toronto franchise-high .665 points percentage and being the second-fastest to 200 victories in the NHL.
However, the media questioned his playoff failures in Toronto. Keefe admitted he was accustomed to long playoff runs in Junior A Pembroke, the OHL Soo Greyhounds, and the Calder Cup champion Marlies before the Leafs started facing early exits.
“Winning in the playoffs is extremely difficult; every detail matters. It’s important to focus on daily mastery, so when difficult days come, you trust yourself,” he said. “Losing in the playoffs is hard, and losing a Game 7 is even harder. Shortly after, I lost my job, which was a lot to process, especially with two years left on my contract.”
On the day he was let go, Leafs GM Brad Treliving informed him that Fitzgerald wanted to talk. After several calls, texts, and a three-hour “hockey talk,” Keefe discussed the offer with his family.
“Jackie reminded me I’m a hockey coach and should take this offer seriously,” Keefe said. “Each day, I saw this as an incredible opportunity for my family and me. High expectations draw me in. I’ve always coached teams expecting to win from the start. That excites me.”
Devils Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur was present, and Keefe noted that driving past Brodeur’s statue reminded him of restoring the franchise’s glory days.
“He checks a lot of boxes I was looking for,” Fitzgerald said of Keefe. “He holds everyone accountable, not just top players. His communication skills, style of play, and lineup management are exactly what we need. He’s the perfect fit for us.”
Fitzgerald mentioned he interviewed eight to ten candidates and allowed the first round to play out before making a decision. Keefe’s Leafs were down 3-1 against Boston, rallied, but lost in overtime and he was dismissed shortly after.
Keefe expressed enthusiasm for “creating new relationships” and praised the Devils for their advancements in sports science and analytics, crucial for maximizing their young roster.
He was also encouraged by the Devils’ players’ frustration over last season’s halt in their progress in the Metropolitan Division.
“There is skill at all positions in forward and defense. Now, we need to connect these groups. While I don’t have all the answers or information, the talent and hunger are there.
“I look forward to getting to know them.”
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