New Jersey has reportedly been interested in multiple coaches, and now with Keefe on the market, he will be a candidate.
Sheldon Keefe might not be out of a job for long.
According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the New Jersey Devils will be one of the teams interested in the former Maple Leafs head coach. This news comes the day that Keefe was relieved of his duties by Toronto GM Brad Treliving.
The Maple Leafs decided they wanted to bring in a new voice and announced so on Thursday morning. New Jersey had Travis Green as their interim bench boss for nearly a quarter of the NHL season after they fired Lindy Ruff.
Green was named the head coach of the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Ruff was hired as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres on April 22. It will be his second go-around as the Sabres' bench boss.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, New Jersey is speaking with several other coaching candidates, including former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft.
The Maple Leafs extended Keefe back in August for two more years. He will be the second straight coach (Mike Babcock was let go midway through his eight-year contract) the organization fires with multiple years left on their deal.
Keefe posted a video message to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday morning, thanking Maple Leafs fans, and adding that he will spend time with his family before moving forward.
"I don't know what comes next, but I know I'll be ready for it," he said, proudly. "In the meantime, I'll enjoy giving my family the time that they deserve."
Recent
News from THN.com
Dancing in the Moonlight: Funniest Reactions to the Bruins and Panthers' Heated Third Period
NHL Draft Lottery: What Macklin Celebrini Can Bring to the San Jose Sharks
NHL Playoffs: Canucks and Oilers Series Should Be Closer Than People Think