The Toronto Maple Leafs fired head coach Sheldon Keefe after five seasons following an opening-round playoff exit, with the team announcing an immediate search for a new head coach to achieve their ultimate goal.
Getty’s latest news – the Toronto Maple Leafs are shaking things up. After an opening-round playoff exit, they’ve let go of head coach Sheldon Keefe. He’s been with them for five seasons. This announcement came straight from the team on Thursday.
Maple Leafs’ general manager, Brad Treliving, made it clear. The search for a new head coach starts now. “Today’s decision was difficult,” admitted the team. They praised Sheldon as an excellent coach and a great man. But, they felt a new voice was necessary. The goal? To push the team to greater heights. Sheldon’s dedication over the last nine years was acknowledged with heartfelt thanks.
Under Keefe’s guidance, the Maple Leafs had an impressive run. They notched a 212-97-40 record across 349 regular-season games. The past three seasons were particularly stellar, each breaking the 100-point mark. The 2021-22 season even set a franchise record with 115 points.
Before the Maple Leafs, Keefe honed his skills with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Over five seasons, he led them to their first Calder Cup in 2018. His impact was undeniable.
This past 2023-24 season, the Maple Leafs secured a 46-26-10 record. That’s 102 points, landing them third in the Atlantic Division. However, their playoff journey was cut short. The Boston Bruins edged them out in a gripping seven-game series.
It’s been a tough road for Toronto. Since the 2003-04 season, they’ve clinched just one series victory. That win came against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2023 postseason. Now, with a new chapter on the horizon, the Maple Leafs are gearing up for what’s next.
