Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Key Questions As Preseason Approaches

Should Sheldon Keefe Be Worried?

Sheldon Keefe has one of the most impressive coaching records in Toronto Maple Leafs history. His points percentage of .678 is the highest of all Leafs coaches.

With him at the helm, the team accumulated franchise-best point totals during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons.

The problem, of course, has been carrying that regular season success through to the playoffs. Much like his players, Keefe has not matched his regular-season prowess with postseason achievements.

His underwhelming playoff resume had some wondering if Treliving would start fresh with a new coach. Instead, Treliving decided to retain Keefe.

This was the right call as Keefe has made strides with this roster. The Toronto Maple Leafs are a more responsible defensive team than when he started. He has managed to make them defensively aware while not sacrificing their strengths on offense.

Keefe deserves another shot with the Leafs, especially after the progress made during the last two playoff appearances.

Treliving had multiple conversations with Keefe during his orientation with the Leafs and came away satisfied that the incumbent head coach would keep the job.

Interestingly, keeping Keefe provides a scapegoat for Treliving. Should the Leafs stumble out of the gate this season, Treliving can fire Keefe and look for a new coach.

Being able to place blame on a coach that he did not inherit, takes the attention away from any ineffective personnel moves by Treliving. Removing the coach is also an easier option to change a team’s trajectory than making major in-season player transactions.

Treliving has the “fire the coach” card at his disposal. Will he use it should the Leafs disappoint?