Sheldon Keefe throws brutal backhanded compliment at Justin Holl

The Toronto Maple Leafs are certainly frustrated at having dropped what should have been two gimme games on their schedule so far in the young 2022-23 NHL season, dropping contests to both the Arizona Coyotes and San Jose Sharks (OT) - both of whom will most likely be in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes at season's end. 

Following last night's overtime setback at SAP Center in San Jose, head coach Sheldon Keefe had a rather blunt assessment of one of his team's key issues that has plagued them so far. 

“It starts with the defence,” said Keefe. “Their touches, their first touch has to be better.”

And one particular member of the Leafs who has struggled in particular is Justin Holl. Of course, it doesn't help the situation given the fact that his usual defense partner in Jake Muzzin is on LTIR for at least the next four weeks. But fans have noticed that Holl has been too quick to make high pressure mistakes, costing his team. 

And Keefe recently spoke with Holl, having a little heart to heart with the struggling defenseman.

"He’s an important guy that we need to get more out of," Keefe said.

He continued: “Justin likes really direct & honest feedback. We’ve given him that. Certainly, a little more direct here today because it’s been snowballing." 

The Leafs will have a chance to get back on the winning side of things when they continue their western road swing with a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow night.