Sheldon Keefe, formerly with the Toronto Maple Leafs, saw a turnaround in his fortunes when he joined the New Jersey Devils as their new head coach after being let go by the Maple Leafs following their playoff exit. Keefe’s tenure in Toronto was marked by impressive regular-season records but fell short in the playoffs. Now, the focus shifts to whether he can replicate that success in New Jersey, where he inherits a young and promising team.
During his time with the Maple Leafs, Keefe showcased his coaching prowess, leading them to consistent playoff appearances and even a Calder Cup championship with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The Devils, previously coached by interim Travis Green, missed the playoffs last season with a subpar record.
Keefe’s appointment was met with praise from General Manager Tom Fitzgerald, who highlighted Keefe’s coaching acumen and collaborative approach. The Devils are aiming to build a competitive team under his leadership, buoyed by a roster filled with promising young talent.
In a significant move, the Devils recently acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames, giving up a 2025 first-round pick (top-10 protected) and defenseman Kevin Bahl. Markstrom’s arrival is expected to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities significantly, providing a reliable presence in goal.
Analysts believe that Keefe’s coaching combined with Markstrom’s goaltending skills could be a winning formula for the Devils. The acquisition of Markstrom, known for his technical skills and game-changing saves, has bolstered optimism about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.
Overall, Keefe and Markstrom’s arrivals have set a positive tone for the Devils, positioning them as a team to watch in the upcoming NHL season.
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