The New Jersey Devils have put an end to multiple lanes of speculation regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins.

PITTSBURGH – With one hire from the New Jersey Devils, they singlehandedly put to rest multiple topics of speculation from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Devils ended their coaching search by hiring Sheldon Keefe, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

When the Maple Leafs fired Keefe, he looked like a possible candidate for the Penguins in multiple positions: either as Mike Sullivan's assistant or as the head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Insiders noted quickly that Keefe likely didn’t want to find his way back in the AHL and likely wouldn’t take the WBS job. Working as an assistant to replace Todd Reirden seemed like an excellent option for Pittsburgh, though.

Keefe is familiar with members of the Penguins front office, namely Kyle Dubas and Jason Spezza. Ultimately, Keefe is joining the Devils, ending that trail for the Penguins.

This hiring by the Devils also puts to rest a ridiculous rumor that started in Toronto. According to the Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos earlier in the offseason, Sullivan was considering leaving Pittsburgh to join the Devils.

Sullivan is under contract; he and the Devils would have needed permission for any conversations to happen. Dubas threw cold water on the rumors by saying no permission has been granted or even asked for from either side.

Despite Dubas’s statement, speculation continued that Sullivan was going to jump ship or a coaching trade may take place.

With the Devil’s head coaching spot now filled by Keefe, this side of the rumor mill can end. Sullivan isn’t going anywhere, and Keefe will not join the Penguins.

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