Leafs GM touches on the future of the team's head coach, Sheldon Keefe
After finally winning a playoff series for the first time in almost 20 years, fans were still frustrated with how the Maple Leafs' season ended, with a 5-game manhandling by the Florida Panthers that send the Leafs packing in round 2. In fact, many fans wondered if the core 4, GM Kyle Dubas and head coach Sheldon Keefe would be back in 2023-24.
It had originally seemed like Kyle Dubas was prepared to make significant changes this summer, but when he was let go by the team's President, Brendan Shanahan, all bets were off. Even after new GM Brad Treliving came in, we didn't know right out of the gates whether or not Keefe would be safe until late July. It was, of course, announced by Treliving that Keefe would indeed be back next season.
David Alter of Sports Illustrated shared an article this week full of Brad Treliving's comments on various different storylines in Toronto. One topic of discussion was what the future holds for Keefe, who by all appearances, looks to be in line for contract extension talks in Toronto.
"Brad Treliving says he will continue to work and talk about things re: Sheldon Keefe extension, says he's enjoyed getting to know him and enjoys working with him."
It's entirely possible that Treliving will delay a Keefe contract extension until after we know what the team looks like on the ice. We know they look good on paper, but it's up to the coach to ensure that his team is performing to the level of expectation placed upon them by the organization. If they flounder, Keefe may still very well be let go. However, if they do perform well early on, it wouldn't be surprising to see Keefe extended by Christmas.
| POLL | ||
Do you think extending Keefe is the right move? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 34.8 % |
| No | 53 | 29.8 % |
| He always gets out coached in the playoffs | 29 | 16.3 % |
| They won't make it farther with him, he should go | 34 | 19.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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