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Toronto Maple Leafs: Changes in the Playoff Roster From 2019 to 2020

By Stephen Nixon

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 19: Cody Glass #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights reacts as Ilya Mikheyev #65 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a third-period power-play goal by his teammate Zach Hyman #11 (not pictured) during their game at T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 19: Cody Glass #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights reacts as Ilya Mikheyev #65 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a third-period power-play goal by his teammate Zach Hyman #11 (not pictured) during their game at T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches from the bench during the first period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on November 21, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches from the bench during the first period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on November 21, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Coaching Staff

2018-19: Mike Babcock

2019-20: Sheldon Keefe

Keefe has only coached 47 NHL games but has a record of 27-15-5, which represents a .625 winning percentage.

Going back to 2006-07 when he was the coach of Pembroke Lumber Kings in the CJHL, Keefe’s worst winning percentage year has been .599.

No matter where this guy coaches, his team wins.

He won a championship with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, made it to the Eastern Conference Finals with the Soo Greyhounds and won a Calder Cup with the Toronto Marlies.

Although Keefe is only 39 years old, his hockey background is extensive and as a former NHL player himself, he’s been able to use that to his advantage behind the bench.

At the end of last years playoffs, many fans wanted Babcock fired because of his stubbornness. He never played his best players enough minutes and would put some of his worst guys out at crucial moments.

Babcock’s ways were too old-school for this young Leafs team and it was such a relief to see him go. Having a full training camp prior to starting the playoffs will be a huge advantage for the Leafs this year, as Keefe’s coaching style will benefit the team more than Babcock this off-season.

Although Babcock has the Stanley Cups and Olympic Gold Medals on his resume, Keefe should bring a new energy to the Leafs this playoffs.

Grade: A

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