One of Sheldon Keefe's former players believes he will be a good fit in New Jersey due to his fast-paced play and overall coaching style.
"In talking with my family, this was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down."
The New Jersey Devils were reportedly one of the hottest coaching vacancies in the league, and for 43-year-old Sheldon Keefe, it was a job he could not pass up.
On May 23, the organization named Keefe its 22nd head coach in team history.
"This is an exciting time, and I'm honored to be a member of the Devils' organization," Keefe said in the official press release. "To have the chance to lead this young, dynamic team and to see the potential that can still be unlocked is all very attractive for me."
Keefe spent the past five seasons behind the Toronto Maple Leafs bench, working with a young, talented core that includes Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner. He will now transition to another young highly skilled group, which is highlighted by Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt.
"Sheldon jumped to the top of my list when he became available, and I was thrilled when he agreed to be a part of what we are building here," general manager Tom Fitzgerald said. "He is an excellent communicator, believes in collaboration, and will take what he has learned previously to make this team a Stanley Cup contender."
While reporters and broadcasters spend a reasonable amount of time around their team's head coach, no one knows a coach as well as his players. On Thursday, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News spoke with one of Keefe's former players to gain insight into what kind of coach he is.
"(His) coaching style is demanding, but he also has a good understanding of pushing the right buttons for certain players and finding different ways to communicate with certain people," he said.
After playing under Keefe, this former player believes his style of play makes him a good fit for New Jersey.
"Usually, he likes to play a puck possession, fast-paced style, and he has a lot of dynamic players to work with (in New Jersey) on forward and defense," he said. "Keefe lets his top guys be themselves, and that will only help the (Devils) core guys even more.
"He got the best out of all the top guys in Toronto and wherever he has coached (before the Maple Leafs). I see that continuing with the potential and offensive weapons he already has in New Jersey," he continued.
The Devils will hold a press conference on Tuesday, May 28, at 11:00 to officially introduce Keefe as head coach.