The Toronto Maple Leafs recently signed Simon Benoit to a three-year extension worth just $4 Million. Two weeks earlier, they re-signed forward Bobby McMann to a two-year deal worth $2.7 Million.
The Question and the Answer from Sheldon Keefe
Last week, when Sheldon Keefe was asked about the signings, he gave an interesting answer. The question was: What message can fans take from the recent signings of Simon Benoit and Bobby McMann, who have been rewarded with recent new contracts?
Keefe’s answer was “The first thing is that the organization believes in them. That is important. It is a reward for the work that they have done, but it is also the belief you have in them. Not only are they playing essential parts on the team now, but we also believe they will continue to improve and be essential parts of the team in the future.”
Keefe added, “I don’t know how many players I have coached here, but I have coached many players, and many guys have come and gone. Some continuity and having guys you bring along who are growing with the team are essential. In McMann and Benoit’s cases, we think they can continue to grow with the group.”
Two Takeaways from the Signings and Keefe’s Reaction
As someone who watches the team closely, I have two takeaways from the signings and Keefe’s reaction to the signing.
Takeaway Number One: These Signings Differed from Former GM Dubas
Former general manager (GM) Kyle Dubas would not sign extensions of what might be considered fringe or support players during the season. He liked to keep his options open and would go shopping in the offseason. He also made many roster changes during the offseason and at the trade deadline. If he felt a player who might be marginally better than a particular player on his roster was available, he would not hesitate to make that change.
Present GM Brad Treliving, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to hesitate regarding his present roster of players. He gets him signed if he likes what he sees in a particular player. That is a definite change in philosophy for the team.
Takeaway Number Two: Keefe’s Answer Seemed to Signal His Preferences
Keefe’s remarks about players coming and going and team continuity indicate that he prefers the new philosophy over Dubas’s “revolving door” philosophy. In his recent responses, Coach Keefe distinguished between his preference for the new GM Treliving’s approach.
Keefe’s comments suggest a leaning towards stability and continuity in player personnel, as opposed to the frequent turnover of players advocated by Dubas. Keefe obviously values the opportunity to build relationships with players, incorporating them into team systems and keeping them in place. This approach extends even to so-called marginal players like Benoit and McMahon, whom Keefe believes can make significant contributions if given the chance to settle within the team and find their roles effectively.
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