Candidates already lined up to take over Sheldon Keefe’s job in Toronto!

Head coach Sheldon Keefe has accepted responsibility for expectations not being met with the Toronto Maple Leafs once again this postseason, and there is a feeling that with upper management delaying their end-of-season media session to Friday, a coaching change could be announced later this week.

TSN’s Darren Dreger certainly has that feeling and expected that the Maple Leafs will announced that Keefe is fired. When speaking with Gino Reda about Keefe’s status as head coach for the Maple Leafs and when we may learn more about the direction the team is heading into, Dreger took the opportunity to mention some candidates that could take over behind the bench in Toronto.

The insider immediately pointed to Craig Berube, 58, who coached the St. Louis Blues from 2018-19 until being fired on Dec. 12. The veteran coach won the Stanley Cup in his first season with the team, and has recently been linked to other clubs, notably the New Jersey Devils. For now, if the Maple Leafs choose to move on from Keefe, Berube is available:

“Without question, he is a top candidate if the Toronto Maple Leafs make a coaching change. He is a hot common around the National Hockey League, as we know, Craig Berube did interview for the position of head coach of the Ottawa Senators, though they unveiled Travis Green now as their new head coach,” Dreger explained whilst pointing to New Jersey as highly interested in Berube as well.

“I know he wants to get back in the National Hockey League as a head coach and the pedigree of Berube, man it ticks a lot of boxes for all the teams I have mentioned, including the Maple Leafs.”

Dreger strongly believes Toronto needs more experience behind the bench, and on top of putting Berube as a top candidate if the position becomes vacant, he adds Todd McLellan and Gerard Gallant. Both are looking to get back behind an NHL bench and their success and experience could be what convinces GM Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs to make the move.

We should know more before Friday when when new MLSE CEO and president Keith Pelley, Brendant Shanahan and Treliving are scheduled for media availability at the Ford Performance Centre in Etobicoke.

But it sure feels like Keefe has had enough time to get it right and since he can’t do it, a new coach needs to come in.

Do you like the idea of Berube taking over in Toronto?

Recommended articles:

• New plan unfolds for Maple Leafs to shake loser’s mentality
• NHL Insider leaks details behind sudden Leafs schedule change
• Maple Leafs fans flip out at John Tavares rumoured trade scenario to surprising rival!
• Front-runner already emerges in potential Mitch Marner trade!
• Paul Bissonnette takes shot at Mitch Marner during playoff game!