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Ex-Maple Leafs HC Sheldon Keefe makes his feelings known on facing former team with Devils
Former Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe will face his old team as the New Jersey Devils' coach on Thursday. Keefe expressed respect for the Leafs and praised their current team, saying they are in a good place.
"I got nothing but love & respect to the people on the other side ... I do think the team is in a really good place. Love the moves that Tree made in the off-season. The team is as good as it’s ever been & I wish them nothing but the best."
Sheldon Keefe was the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs for five seasons, from November 2019 to May 2024. He had a record of 212 wins, 97 losses and 40 overtime losses in the regular season.
However, he struggled in the playoffs, with 16 wins and 21 losses. The Maple Leafs have advanced past the first round only once since 2004, in 2023.
Before coaching the Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe led the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League. He helped the Marlies win their first Calder Cup championship in 2018.
Keefe was known for developing players and building a strong team. However, the Maple Leafs’ lack of playoff success led to his firing. Keefe isn’t sure how emotional the game will be but is focused on winning.
"I don't know if it will be an emotional night because I've never coached against a team that I've been associated with in the past," Keefe said per NHL.com. "I like to believe that I'm focused and content enough with where I'm at that I'm not too concerned about anything else outside of the task of competing against one of the league's top teams."
Devils players, including captain Nico Hischier, want to win the game for Keefe.
Sheldon Keefe's Devils have started strong in 2024 season
The New Jersey Devils started the 2024 NHL regular season with two wins against the Buffalo Sabres. These games were part of the NHL Global Series Czechia, held at O2 Arena in Prague on Friday and Saturday.
Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic, who joined the Devils from the Montreal Canadiens, talked about coach Sheldon Keefe’s upcoming game against the Maple Leafs.
"He'll probably downplay it a little, as he should, but I know it's going to be an emotional night because I've been in that situation," Kovacevic said, per NHL.com, "In the preseason I played against Montreal and it was weird because you were just on that side and know so much about them."
For Kovacevic and the Devils, winning the game is what matters most.
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