Brad Treliving comments on Sheldon Keefe's contract status.

The Toronto Maple Leafs underwent a seismic shift this summer when team president Brendan Shanahan made the surprising decision to fire now former general manager Kyle Dubas, replacing him in turn with current general manager Brad Treliving.

It was not only a surprising move but one that many expected would lead to even more changes, including a change at the head coaching position. Despite that Sheldon Keefe has remained in his role as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs but, at least for now, there are still questions about his future given his lack of a contract beyond this season.

Last week the Maple Leafs signed forward Auston Matthews to a massive new contract, and it was during his media availability following that move that Treliving was asked about Keefe's future in Toronto. When asked about an extension specifically, Treliving unsurprisingly avoided the question altogether.

“We’ll continue to work and talk about things on Sheldon’s side and see where that gets to,” Treliving said as per David Alter. “I can say I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him and I think he’s a terrific man and a terrific coach. We’ll see where that goes.”

Treliving likely wants to see how things play out this season and may even want to hire his own man when Keefe's contract does eventually expire, depending on how the 2023-24 NHL season plays out for the Leafs. Treliving did note though that he was in constant communication with his head coach, something that no doubt bodes well for their relationship moving forward.

“We talk daily about the team-building process,” Treliving said of Keefe. “As I went through the process and I said then that Sheldon would be coming back, I was really impressed then and I continue to be impressed each day.”

The introduction of former NHL head coach Guy Boucher as a new assistant coach for Keefe may also be something of a backup plan for Treliving, who seems comfortable letting Keefe play out the season on an expiring deal... at least for now.