Report: Keefe “in line to replace” Babcock as head coach of Leafs

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman drops a bomb!

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Report: Keefe “in line to replace” Babcock as head coach of Leafs
Zuma Press

After yet another Game 7 playoff elimination at the hands of the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs fans are feeling a bit raw these days. Fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure and outright disgust at head coach Mike Babcock for some of his curious decisions this postseason.

Many Leafs fans have called for Babcock to be fired and replaced with the team’s AHL affiliated head coach Sheldon Keefe. And according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, they may get their wish… eventually. 

There’s no denying that Keefe is a hot commodity around the NHL and Friedman reports that if an NHL team gave Keefe a head coaching offer, they’d allow him to leave the organization. Barring that though, Keefe will replace Babcock with the Leafs.

Check it out:



Friedman on Sheldon Keefe - If someone wanted him as their head coach, I don't think Toronto would stand in his way. However, Dubas and Keefe are tight, and barring something strange happening, Keefe is in line to replace Mike Babcock as head coach of the Maple Leafs. 


Again, when this happens is anyone’s guess. Babcock still have four years remaining on an insane eight year contract, so it seems unlikely that Keefe stays in the system long enough to replace Babcock. Then again, another failed playoff run in 2019-20 may make it easier for GM Kyle Dubas to expedite his succession plan behind the bench. Time will tell.