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Bruce Boudreau sounds off on the Sheldon Keefe contract extension.
Bob Frid/USA TODAY Sports  

Bruce Boudreau sounds off on the Sheldon Keefe contract extension.

The beloved NHL head coach comments on Sheldon Keefe's new deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Jonathan Larivee

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a very interesting move this week when they signed head coach Sheldon Keefe to a multi-year contract extension. The move surprised some given that many expected Keefe to be on the outs with the organization following the termination of former general manager Kyle Dubas, but it would appear as though newly appointed GM Brad Treliving is also confident in Keefe as a head coach.

Recently Bruce Boudreau, a coach who recently went through his own turmoil with the Vancouver Canucks and a Toronto native, was asked to share his thoughts on the extension that Keefe received. Boudreau not only felt that the move from Treliving had been the right one for Keefe, but added that he felt it was the best move for the players on the Leafs roster as well.

"I think Brad did a great job in getting him signed and I think Sheldon deserved it if you look at his four year record," admitted Boudreau. "It's hard coaching a good team and to keep them motivated to get as many points as you can, and as they have in the last 4 years, is quite good."

From the perspective of the players, Boudreau believes that Keefe's extension will make it easier for them to buy in.

"I think to get that extension is really important," said Boudreau. "I think it shows the players 'Hey listen he's here for a long time now you've gotta pay attention to him.'"

You can listen to Boudreau's full comments on Keefe's new deal in the short clip below.