Treliving offers hint regarding future of Sheldon Keefe

Sheldon Keefe John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

New GM Brad Treliving offers hint regarding future of HC Sheldon Keefe in Toronto

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated 6/1/23

Brad Treliving is likely to answer most, if not all of media questions officially on Thursday, but many fans and media members will want to know what the future holds for current Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. With one more season remaining on his contract, is he staying or going? After all, it’s not uncommon for a new GM to clean house and bring in his own coach — something Brendan Shanahan has likely given Treliving the authority to do.

The newest and 18th GM in Maple Leafs’ history has already seemingly given a hint as to the future of Keefe in Toronto. And, it appears the current bench boss is going to be given every opportunity to keep his job.

“From what I understand he told them that he’s more than willing to consider keeping him,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman told host JD Bunkis on Sportsnet 590 The Fan on Wednesday. He added, “From what I understand, Treliving is open-minded on that issue. He’s prepared to meet and talk with Keefe and see if it makes sense.”

It sounds as though Shanahan — like he did when he told the “core four” that his preference was to keep them together — told all prospective GMs that he was in favor of keeping Keefe around. At the same time, it was ultimately their call. Keefe has a 166-71-30 (.678) record over four seasons as head coach of the Maple Leafs. He’s certainly warranted the right to be retained, and if he is let go, it won’t take long for him to fund future employment, potentially as early as next season with the New York Rangers.

The downside, and one reason he could be let go, is because he is 13-17 in the postseason with his only playoff-round victory coming in 2023.

One would have to imagine that Treliving will have a conversation with the stars of the team and ask them for their input. If key players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are in favor of retaining Keefe, he likely stays. After all, one of the things Treliving doesn’t really want to do upon his arrival is upset the big-name players he’s going to potentially have to convince to stick around.

So too, if Treliving dismisses Keefe in short order, it’ll be the sixth head coach he’s gotten rid of, in one way or another, in seven years. At some point, he might want to change the reputation he has for so rapidly bringing in and then removing coaches.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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