Sheldon Keefe bid farewell to his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs in a manner befitting his nearly decade-long association with the team. Despite his departure following the team’s loss in Game 7 to Boston, Keefe felt compelled to offer a proper goodbye, recognizing the significance of closure for himself, the team, the city, and the media. Even before his anticipated exit, Keefe had conceived plans for a farewell message, which he recorded by the shores of Lake Ontario. This gesture underscored his desire to control his narrative and share his sentiments with those he had been involved with during his time with the Leafs.
Reflecting on the day of his dismissal, Keefe revealed his premonition of the impending meeting with Leafs general manager Brad Treliving and the subsequent outcome. In the early hours of that day, Keefe found himself restless, contemplating the events to unfold. He opted for a personal farewell message over a formal news conference, aiming to convey his gratitude and acceptance of responsibility for the team’s postseason shortcomings directly. Choosing a serene location near his residence, Keefe delivered a heartfelt two-minute statement, acknowledging his failure to propel the team to playoff success despite multiple opportunities.
Keefe described the chosen location as his “happy place,” a tranquil spot by the water where he sought solace and clarity. Following his dismissal, he received an unexpected call from the New Jersey Devils, expressing interest in his coaching services. Despite initially planning to spend quality time with his family, Keefe recognized the allure of returning to coaching and engaged in discussions with the Devils’ management. The patient approach of Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald allowed Keefe the necessary time to deliberate, ultimately leading to his decision to join the organization.
In selecting Keefe as their new head coach, the Devils demonstrated a thorough evaluation process, interviewing several candidates before finalizing their decision. Fitzgerald’s openness to exploring various options underscored his commitment to securing the best fit for the team. Keefe, in turn, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and paid homage to his early mentor, John Tortorella, whose influence played a pivotal role in shaping his coaching philosophy.
Keefe’s departure from the Maple Leafs marked a significant transition in his career, yet it also heralded a new beginning with the Devils. As he embarks on this fresh chapter, Keefe remains appreciative of the experiences and lessons learned during his tenure in Toronto. With his sights set on guiding the Devils to success, Keefe looks forward to making a positive impact in his new role.
