After experiencing significant regular season success with the Toronto Maple Leafs over the last five seasons, head coach Sheldon Keefe was surprisingly fired following another early exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs. Just two weeks later, Keefe was announced as the new head coach of the New Jersey Devils. Keefe expressed his excitement at the opportunity to lead a young and dynamic team and unlock its potential. The Devils have struggled in recent years, only making the playoffs twice and winning their only series under former head coach Lindy Ruff last year.
With a 30-27-4 start under Ruff this year, the Devils replaced him with interim head coach Travis Green in March, but their performance continued to decline, resulting in a seventh-place finish in the Metropolitan Division and missing the playoffs. The team now looks to Keefe to guide them back to success. Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald expressed his confidence in Keefe’s ability, citing his strong communication skills and belief in collaboration. Keefe’s success with the Maple Leafs in the regular season, where he achieved a high winning percentage, will be put to the test in a new environment where playoff success is crucial.
The Maple Leafs, a team that has not won the Stanley Cup since 1967, have high expectations from their fan base. Keefe’s success in the regular season was impressive, with no other coach in NHL history managing at least five seasons with a higher winning percentage than him. However, the pressure to succeed in the playoffs ultimately led to his departure from the team. The Maple Leafs won seven playoff rounds in six seasons under Pat Quinn from 1998 to 2004, but have struggled to reach similar success under five head coaches since then.
Keefe’s appointment as head coach of the Devils marks a new chapter for the franchise, as they look to turn things around after a period of underperformance. The team has a young and talented roster that Keefe will have the opportunity to mold and develop. With his experience in a high-pressure environment like Toronto, Keefe brings a unique perspective and skill set to the Devils. The team hopes that Keefe’s leadership will help them reach their goal of becoming a Stanley Cup contender.
Overall, Keefe’s transition to the New Jersey Devils presents an exciting opportunity for both him and the team. As they work towards rebuilding and revamping their performance, Keefe’s track record of success in the regular season provides a strong foundation for future growth and development. With the organization’s commitment to collaboration and communication, Keefe’s leadership style should align well with the team’s goals. It remains to be seen how Keefe will fare as head coach of the Devils and whether he can help lead them to success in the competitive NHL landscape.
