Devils’ Sheldon Keefe: ‘I have no ill will’ for how Maple Leafs tenure ended

Many people are excited about the matchup on Thursday night between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils. Not only because of the matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference but also because it marks the return of Sheldon Keefe to the Six.

Keefe was hired by the Devils as the 22nd head coach in franchise history this past May, just two weeks after he was canned by the Maple Leafs following another early exit from the playoffs.

However, even though things ended poorly, the 43-year-old says he has no hard feelings toward his former club.

“I was treated with great respect and fairly during my time there,” Keefe said during his media availability on Thursday. “I have no ill will toward anyone—media, fans, or otherwise.”

Keefe also mentioned that he understood the reasoning behind his dismissal.

“I was given a great opportunity, and I didn’t deliver. We didn’t get it done as a team, and that’s why you move on.”

Keefe, who got his start with the organization as head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, admits the move has been working out for all parties thus far.

“Looking back, I think it’s been good and healthy for everyone. [Craig Berube] has done a tremendous job with the team, and I feel good about where I’m at now. I’m better for all the experiences I had there—that’s just the reality of this league.”

The former Soo Greyhounds bench boss was part of the organization for nine years, spending over four seasons as the head coach for the Leafs and winning a Calder Cup with the Mariles in 2018. Keefe states that his time with the club is a period that he’ll remember.

“I feel fortunate to have spent nine years in Toronto, provided stability for my family, and grown as a coach in such a great organization.”

Keefe posted a record of 212-97-40 with the Maple Leafs, leaving the team as the fifth-winningest coach in franchise history. However, Toronto never made it beyond the second round of the playoffs.

Currently, Keefe’s Devils (26-15-5) are second in the Metropolitan Division, six points behind the Washington Capitals for first place. Berube’s Leafs (27-16-2) are tops in the Atlantic Division, one point up on the Florida Panthers.