NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reveals Leafs' coaching candidates

Earlier today the Toronto Maple Leafs officially fired head coach Sheldon Keefe.

The team made the announcement on social media this morning.

Check it out:

Shortly afterward Keefe himself released a personal video on social media:

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman also reported this morning that there are even more changes to come before the Leafs hold a press conference tomorrow afternoon. Most importantly though, it appears that President Brendan Shanahan will be returning to his position with the team:

Shanahan is staying, at least for another year. I could always be wrong, but that's the impression I'm getting. He's got more year left on his contract and I expect that as it stands right now, he's going to be there to finish it out.

- Elliotte Friedman

Additionally, Friedman shed some light on to who he thinks the Leafs will be interviewing for the position in the next while. The top of the list features former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube, Longtime NHL head coach Todd McLellan and former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft.

More from Friedman:

The team's official press release announcement on Keefe's firing:

Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving today announced that Sheldon Keefe has been relieved of his role as head coach. The organization will immediately begin the search for a new head coach, and decisions regarding the remainder of the coaching staff will follow.

“Today’s decision was difficult. Sheldon is an excellent coach and a great man; however, we determined a new voice is needed to help the team push through to reach our ultimate goal. We thank Sheldon for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the last nine years, and wish him and his family all the very best.”

Keefe coached the Maple Leafs to a 212-97-40 record in 349 regular season games. The club recorded three consecutive 100-point seasons under Keefe, including a team-record 115-point season in 2021-22. Keefe was also at the helm of the Toronto Marlies (AHL) for five seasons, during which the team won the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as the AHL’s top regular season team on two occasions and the franchise’s first Calder Cup Championship in 2018.

Keefe has two years remaining on a contract extension that hasn't even begun yet. It was an extension given to him by GM Brad Treliving last offseason after Treliving elected to not make any major changes to his team's coaching staff. Now, less than 12 months later though and Treliving is having to make the changes that fans and analysts thought were coming last offseason. Suffice it to say, it looks like Treliving and his management staff will be busy this offseason in remolding their team's personnel both on and off the ice.

As for Keefe, it remains to be seen what happens with him next. With an impressive 212-97-40 record in the regular season, it's clear that he's a quality head coach. His time in Toronto was over though, as it was clear that this team needs a new direction and a fresh voice.

More to come on this developing story.