Maple Leafs players react to Sheldon Keefe’s return to Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs will welcome back Sheldon Keefe to Scotiabank Arena on Thursday, marking his first visit since being fired by the team in May.

While the Leafs and Devils have already faced off twice this season in New Jersey, this game carries extra weight as it’s Keefe’s homecoming. After nearly a decade with the organization and a mix of success at the AHL and NHL levels, Keefe will step into the arena as an opponent for the first time in his coaching career.

Players who were coached by Keefe reflected on his impact, acknowledging the lessons they learned under his guidance. It’s clear they’ll be bringing extra energy to what’s expected to be an emotional evening for both sides.

“I’ve had a lot of coaches in this league,” said defenceman Jake McCabe after the morning skate. “Keefer really opened my mind to the offensive side of the puck—gaining middle ice, breaking teams down, different systems, and preparing for games. I thought he did that really well.”

McCabe thrived under Keefe during the 2023-24 season, posting a career-high 28 points (eight goals, 20 assists) in 73 games. While his offensive numbers this season haven’t matched that pace, McCabe has solidified his role as a dependable two-way blueliner and a key part of the Leafs’ lineup.

Forward Bobby McMann also credited Keefe for giving him his NHL opportunity and believing in his abilities. The undrafted winger worked his way up to the Leafs and made an impact when given the chance.

“He was big for me,” McMann said. “He gave me a lot of opportunities early on. He saw things in my game that could translate to the NHL and gave me the chance to use them. He told me outright, ‘There are things on this team you can fill—the physical side, speed, puck work, offence—you can have a positive impact.’”

The Leafs’ players and organization hold no ill will toward Keefe following his departure. Many expressed gratitude for their time with him and wished him success in New Jersey. Forward Max Domi called Keefe “a great guy” and said he’s happy to see him thriving with the Devils.

Regarding the reception Keefe might receive from the Toronto crowd, McCabe doesn’t anticipate any negativity.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a negative one,” McCabe said. “He had a lot of successful teams here. Obviously, we didn’t get it done in the playoffs, but I don’t think there’s any bad blood as far as I know.”

Keefe’s successor, Craig Berube, has carried the Leafs’ regular-season success forward, albeit with a different approach. Despite a three-game skid heading into Thursday’s game, the team has tightened its defensive structure and benefited from improved goaltending—the best they’ve had in the Auston Matthews era.

Berube said he spoke with Keefe a few times before stepping into the role but wanted to find his own way of navigating Toronto’s intense hockey market.

“I’ve loved it. It’s a great spot, it really is,” Berube said. “There’s a lot going on—it’s a huge market—but I love the players. They’re very professional, work extremely hard, and want to win. The organization’s been fantastic—second to none. They’ve got everything here, and anything you need, they do it all. Working with Brad [Treliving] and Shannie [Brendan Shanahan] has been great. It’s been very positive for me.”