Sheldon Keefe, the former head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, claims he has been informed that, since joining the New Jersey Devils, he will be coaching in the “real NHL.”
Keefe was promptly signed to a four-year contract by the Devils following his dismissal from the Maple Leafs. In an interview with the Toronto Star after making his statement, Keefee disclosed that he had received word that he would now be coaching in the NHL.
“Coaching the Maple Leafs was (a) tremendous honor,” Keefe told the Toronto Star. “A lot of factors go into that. Many reputable coaches in the league have contacted me and told me that now that I’m coaching in the NHL, I should be pleased. Toronto is very different from the other teams in the league.
However, Keefe expresses gratitude for his time in Toronto and for being able to lead an Original Six team during his first NHL coaching experience.
“I received a fantastic opportunity to serve as an NHL coach in Toronto,” stated Keefe. “I missed numerous chances to assist the squad advance through the playoffs. I can therefore understand that from their point of view, there would be a desire for change. Although I was instructed to move on and forced to move on, I now have another chance to start again (with a different company). I’m looking forward to it.
Keefe was 16-21 in the playoffs and 212-97-40 in the regular season as the Maple Leafs’ head coach.
“A Lot Of Boxes” were checked by Sheldon Keefe for devils.
Tom Fitzgerald, the general manager of the Devils, moved swiftly to hire Keefe following his dismissal by the Maple Leafs.
Fitzgerald claimed that after speaking with Keefe, he was certain that Keefe was the best candidate to take over as team captain and win a Stanley Cup.
Fitzgerald stated, via NHL.com, “Sheldon checks a lot of boxes that I was looking for.” It was clear from away that Sheldon would be a fantastic partner for me. Someone with whom I can collaborate. Someone with the ability to test me and me themself. Here, we don’t subscribe to the groupthink theory. Ultimately, I felt it was crucial to use those tools in concert with one another to decide on the roster, players, and lineup for that particular game. Our ultimate objective is the same, and that is to return the Stanley Cup to New Jersey.
