(Toronto) The Toronto Maple Leafs have given head coach Sheldon Keefe a multi-season contract extension.
General Manager Brad Treliving announced the news in a press release Wednesday noon. The team did not specify the duration of the contract extension.
The 42-year-old Keefe became the 31st head coach in Maple Leafs history on November 20, 2019. In 267 regular season games, Keefe led his team to a 166-71-30 record, which ranks sixth in most wins by a head coach in the franchise’s 105-year history.
Since Keefe came on the scene, the Maple Leafs have set team records for most wins (54) and points (115) in a single season in 2021-22.
However, the Toronto team is still having difficulty transposing these successes to the playoffs.
Last spring, the Maple Leafs eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win their first round of the playoffs since 2004. They were, however, eliminated in the next round against the Florida Panthers.
“Since joining the Maple Leafs, Sheldon has impressed me greatly,” Treliving said in the team’s official statement.
“He has shown great leadership qualities with his staff and our players, and he has a clear vision for this team and where to go. Sheldon has become one of the best head coaches in the league, and I look forward to working with him as we approach next season,” added the general manager.
For his part, Keefe considers himself privileged to lead the Maple Leafs.
“We have so many great players and people within our organization that I am grateful to work with, and together our commitment to the success of the team remains unwavering. »
Keefe first joined the Maple Leafs organization in June 2015 as head coach of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. During his tenure, Keefe led the Maple Leafs farm club to their first Calder Cup title in 2018.
