Maple Leafs sign Keefe to multi-year extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed head coach Sheldon Keefe to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.

The pact is for two seasons through 2025-26, general manager Brad Treliving confirmed, according to TSN’s Chris Johnston.

“Since I’ve joined the Maple Leafs, I’ve been very impressed with Sheldon,” Treliving said. “He has shown great leadership skills with his staff and our players and has a clear vision for this team and where it needs to get to. Sheldon has established himself as one of the top coaches in the league, and I look forward to working alongside him as we head into the upcoming season.”

Keefe replaced Mike Babcock as Leafs’ head coach in November 2019. He previously spent four years leading Toronto’s AHL affiliate. Keefe has guided the Leafs to a 166-71-30 regular-season record since taking over, guiding them to the playoffs in each year. Toronto won its first series since 2004 this spring – a six-game victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning – before falling in a five-game drubbing against the eventual Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers.

Keefe’s future with the Leafs was in question following the elimination, and his status was even more uncertain when the club moved on from former GM Kyle Dubas. The pair had ties dating back to their OHL days with the Soo Greyhounds.

“Coaching this team has been a great privilege, and I’m truly excited at the opportunity to continue building towards our ultimate goal,” Keefe said. “I’m thankful for the support from MLSE and its ownership, along with Brendan Shanahan and Brad Treliving, who I’ve really enjoyed getting to know and work with this offseason. We have so many great players and people within our organization that I’m grateful to work with, and together, our commitment to team success remains steadfast.”

The Maple Leafs’ 2023-24 campaign begins Oct. 11 against the Montreal Canadiens.

Copyright © 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Full Story »