Yahoo Sports 'Welcome Back To Toronto': Maple Leafs Honor Former Head Coach Sheldon Keefe With Video Tribute Against Devils
The Toronto Maple Leafs wasted no time honoring their former head coach Sheldon Keefe as they hosted the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. During the first TV timeout, a video tribute played on the Scotiabank Arena jumbotron, celebrating Keefe’s nine seasons with the organization and thanking him for his contributions.
“Welcome back to Toronto, Coach Sheldon Keefe. On behalf of Leafs Nation, thank you for your nine seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization,” the announcer said as fans applauded.
Sheldon Keefe gets a warm reception from the Toronto crowd in his return to the city 💙👏 pic.twitter.com/lj8wzgLd4C
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 17, 2025
Keefe was talking to an official when they showed home on the screen after. TSN color analyst Mike Johnson said Keefe told him he was going to pretend to be coaching during the ceremony to prevent himself from getting too emotional.
Keefe, now in his first season as head coach of the Devils, has made a strong impression, leading New Jersey to a 26-15-5 record – good for second place in the Eastern Conference as of Thursday. He signed a four-year contract with the Devils in the offseason after being let go by the Maple Leafs following their Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins in the opening round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Speaking to reporters before the game, Keefe reflected fondly on his time in Toronto. "I loved every second of being the Leafs' coach,” he said. “I wouldn't say that. I mean, you can just tell the fact that I left my family here. I'm very comfortable here.”
"I never once had a negative experience. Nothing treated nothing but a great respect. And even this summer being around, I never left all summer other than the odd trip to Jersey here and there,” he added.
The 44-year-old holds the Maple Leafs’ all-time best points percentage as a head coach with a 212-97-54 (.665) record. Among his achievements, Keefe guided the Marlies to their first Calder Cup victory in 2018 and helped the Leafs secure their first playoff series win since 2004 during the 2022-23 season.
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