Keefe fired as Maple Leafs coach, no replacement named

Sheldon Keefe was fired as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. No replacement was named.

The Maple Leafs lost the Eastern Conference First Round in seven games to the Boston Bruins and have advanced beyond the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs once (2023) since 2004. They went 46-26-10 in the regular season to finish third in the Atlantic Division with 102 points.

“Today’s decision was difficult," Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said. "Sheldon is an excellent coach and a great man; however, we determined a new voice is needed to help the team push through to reach our ultimate goal. We thank Sheldon for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the last nine years, and wish him and his family all the very best.”

Just once in their past 14 postseason games have the Maple Leafs scored more than two goals in a game, when they defeated the Bruins 3-2 in Game 2. They were 1-for-21 on the power play (4.8 percent) in the series after they were seventh in the regular season (24.0 percent).

In a video posted to his social media account on Thursday, Keefe took responsiblity for Toronto's postseason failures.

"I didn’t get it done in the playoffs, I didn’t help push our team over the line and deliver. I accept responsibility for that. No excuses. That’s the job, I didn’t get it done," Keefe said. "It’s the reality of the business and I accept it. To the players, I appreciate all your efforts. Your talents, your work ethic made me look good on a lot of nights. Anyone who stood up for blue and white I appreciate you. To the support staff of the Maple Leafs, you’re tremendous people, you’re elite at what you do."

The group of players he mentioned includes forwards Auston Matthews (107 points; 69 goals, 38 assists) William Nylander (98 points; 40 goals, 58 assists), Mitch Marner (85 points; 26 goals, 59 assists) and John Tavares (65 points; 29 goals, 36 assists). Marner will enter the final season of a six-year, $65.358 million contract. Tavares, the Maple Leafs captain, will be on the last of a seven-year, $77 million contract and is 1-6 in postseason series since signing with Toronto.

Keefe said he believes that group will eventually get it done.

"The players and support staff will drive the team to success. I believe it will win. Leafs Nation, you deserve the Stanley Cup. Your passion at home and on the road is unmatched. It’s an incredible honor to coach the Maple Leafs. I tried to deliver for you," Keefe said.

As for his future in hockey, he said, "I don’t know what comes next but I know I’ll be ready for it. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy giving my family the time they deserve. Love you all. Be well."

Keefe, 43, was 212-97-40 and 16-21 in the playoffs in five seasons with the Maple Leafs, his first coaching job in the NHL after he replaced Mike Babcock on Nov. 20, 2019. Prior to being named coach of the Maple Leafs, Keefe was coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, for five seasons, and guided them to their first Calder Cup championship in 2018.

He is the 11th NHL coach fired this season, joining Jay Woodcroft (Edmonton Oilers), Dean Evason (Minnesota Wild), Craig Berube (St. Louis Blues), D.J. Smith (Ottawa Senators), Lane Lambert (New York Islanders), Todd McLellan (Los Angeles Kings), Lindy Ruff (New Jersey Devils), Don Granato (Buffalo Sabres), David Quinn (San Jose Sharks) and Dave Hakstol (Seattle Kraken).

Rick Bowness retired as Winnipeg Jets coach Monday.

NHL.com staff writer Mike Zeisberger contributed to this report