The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Mike Babcock and have named Sheldon Keefe their new head coach.
Mark Masters: Brendan Shanahan: “Today, we made the decision to relieve Mike Babcock of his coaching duties and named Sheldon Keefe our new head coach. Over parts of the last five seasons, Mike has played an integral role in changing the direction of our franchise.”
Mark Masters: Shanahan continues: “Mike’s commitment & tireless work ethic has put our organization in a better place & we are extremely grateful & appreciative of the foundation he has helped us build here”
On Sheldon Keefe
Mark Masters: Shanahan on Sheldon Keefe: “Sheldon’s record with the Marlies in terms of development & on-ice success during his time in our organization has compelled us all to feel that he is the right person to take us to the next stage in our evolution”
Kevin McGran: Rich Clune on Sheldon Keefe: “I would say he’s most like Barry Trotz, from all the coaches I’ve had. The thing that stands out for me, he’s obviously found his voice. He’s very much the leader of the whole program.”
Michael Augello: “With Sheldon Keefe being hired, will be curious to see if certain #Marlies players like Jeremy Bracco will get a look that they wouldn’t get under Babcock.”
AHL Communications: “The @TorontoMarlies owned a record of 199-89-22-9 (.672) in 4+ seasons under Sheldon Keefe.”
AHL Communications: “Keefe’s .672 career points percentage is the highest in @TheAHL history among head coaches with at least 200 games.”
Thoughts from the media
James Mirtle: “After the Pittsburgh debacle, Babcock being fired felt inevitable. I figured they’d wait for this road trip to end, but there’s obvious urgency to try and save the season. In hindsight, Babcock should have been let go last spring. Not on same page with front office.”
Darren Dreger: “Surprised, but not surprised. Didn’t think it would happen this quickly.”
Darren Dreger: “It’s reasonable to assume Mike Babcock likely believed the clock started ticking when Lou Lamoriello was replaced.”
David Pagnotta: “Not gonna lie, I’m a bit surprised Shanahan agreed to this change mid-season, but something had to give. This was his guy, so he made the final call.”
Terry Koshan: “No other changes to coaching staff coming at this time.”
Scott Wheeler: “Oh my God it actually happened.”
Bill Hoppe: “Mike Babcock won’t be out of work long. It wouldn’t be shocking to see a team fire its coach to snag him.”
Fluto Shinzawa: “Had to be done.”
Matt Larkin: “The firing had to happen. There comes a juncture before every coach axing where the team (maybe not even consciously) quits on the coach, almost as if playing better would prolong the inevitable. Leafs’ play over past few weeks has screamed “New coach, please.”
Matt Larkin: “Now it’s Dubas’ team, with Dubas’ players and Dubas’ coach. That’s good news for Dubas and anyone who believes in his vision. But also means the shield is gone. A brand new level of pressure on Leafs GM now to fix this mess between now and season’s end.”