Watch: Sheldon Keefe bids farewell to Maple Leafs fans

Sheldon Keefe formally bid farewell to the Toronto Maple Leafs fan base after the organization dismissed him as head coach on Thursday.

Keefe coached the Maple Leafs for five seasons, posting a .665 winning percentage and a 212-97-40 cumulative record during the regular season. Toronto was eliminated by the Boston Bruins in overtime during Game 7 of its first-round series, which ultimately led to Keefe’s firing.

The 43-year-old provided his heartfelt thanks to Leafs Nation shortly after the news emerged.

I didn’t get it done in the playoffs. I didn’t help push our team over the line and deliver. I accept responsibility for that. No excuses. That’s the job, I didn’t get it done. It’s the reality of the business and I accept it. To the players, I appreciate all your efforts. Your talents and your work ethic made me look good on a lot of nights.”

Anyone who suited up for Blue and White, I appreciate you. To the support staff of the Maple Leafs, you’re tremendous people and you’re elite at what you do. Players and support staff will drive the team to success. I believe it will win. Leafs Nation, you deserve your Stanley Cup. Your passion at home and on the road is unmatched.”

It’s an incredible honour to coach the Maple Leafs, to try to deliver for you. To the media, that had to deal with you every single day, sometimes twice a day. Three times a day. I appreciate your, your process. I’ve respected the fact that you’re honest and fair and had a job to do. I hope you appreciated the fact that I helped you do it.

Toronto did not immediately name Keefe’s successor and team president Brendan Shanahan, general manager Brad Treliving and MLSE CEO Keith Pelley will address the media Friday morning.

Keefe held his end-of-year media press conference Monday where he accepted responsibility for the Maple Leafs’ early playoff exit. He mentioned that the decision surrounding his status with the team was out of control and expressed his self-belief in his ability to win.

It’s an unfortunate part of the business. Keefe was one of the winningest coaches in franchise history but couldn’t elevate a hyper-talented group surrounded with MVP-calibre players in Auston Matthews.

This was a nice touch from Keefe and on a personal and professional level, we wish him well in his future endeavours.