The NHL has included referee Wes McCauley as part of the officiating crew for Game 3 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Referee Wes McCauley is part of the officials' crew that will staff Game 3 when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena. 

The decision generated quite a reaction from Maple Leafs fans who feel there is a perceived conflict of interest given Keefe's relationship with Wes McCauley's brother-in-law, David Frost.

The Toronto head coach was asked about the decision at the end of his media availability with reporters at the team's hotel on Sunday.

Is there a long-standing beef between Keefe and McCauley?

"Not at all," Keefe said. "Officials don't have any impact on the game and it's not my focus but Wes has treated me like a true professional the whole time I've been in this league and I've been very appreciative of that."

A similar reaction was brought forth when McCauley was named a Game 1 referee against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 1, a game the Leafs went on to lose 7-3.

Without going into if this is a conflict of interest or not, Keefe and McCauley have certainly had their issues during games. 

On Dec. 27, Keefe was visibly angry with McCauley over a missed interference call.

The tirade led to Keefe being fined by the NHL $25,000 for "demeaning conduct directed toward the officials".

The Maple Leafs are down 2-0 in their series with the Panthers in what many players called a "must-win". Certainly getting on the right side of officials is a factor, so it's not surprising to see Keefe take the high road on this.

The details of Keefe's relationship with McCauley's family aren't anyone else's concern but that of the parties involved and the league. 

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