NJ Devils have been given permission to speak with Sheldon Keefe

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Hunter Bowman
May 10, 2024 (2:35 PM)

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Sheldon Keefe, who recently parted ways with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has reportedly lined up his first job interview since his departure from the team earlier this week.

Fresh off his exit from the Maple Leafs, there's already buzz about Keefe's next move. According to a report from a TSN insider, a team has reached out to the Maple Leafs seeking permission to interview Keefe.

"Hearing that the Devils have sought and received permission to speak with Sheldon Keefe."

The interested party is reportedly the New Jersey Devils, who made a mid-season coaching change in the 2023-24 season, replacing Lindy Ruff with Travis Green, now the head coach of the Ottawa Senators.

Keefe had recently inked a two-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs before his dismissal, which is why the Devils must seek permission to speak with him. Keefe will continue to receive compensation from the Maple Leafs until he secures a head coaching position elsewhere in the NHL.

"Could Sheldon Keefe be the next head coach of the New Jersey Devils? 👀"

Given Keefe's experience and track record, it wouldn't be surprising if other teams also express interest in speaking with him about coaching opportunities.

"With Keefe being dismissed, The Maple Leafs will join a list of teams searching for a new head coach that already includes New Jersey, San Jose, Seattle, Los Angeles and Winnipeg.

3 Other Teams Buffalo, St Louis, Ottawa have already filled the coaching vacancies."

During his tenure with the Maple Leafs, Keefe led the team for parts of five seasons from 2019 to 2024. Despite strong regular-season performances, the team faced repeated early exits from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Prior to his time with Toronto, Keefe coached the AHL's Toronto Marlies and the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Source: Bladeofsteel
Sheldon Keefe gets first job interview since being let go by Leafs