New Jersey Devils Hire Sheldon Keefe as Head Coach

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Coach Signs Multi-Year Deal

Keefe Replaces Lindy Ruff as Devils Bench Boss

The New Jersey Devils have named Sheldon Keefe as their 31st head coach in franchise history. Keefe, 41, most recently served as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a position he held from 2019 to 2022. He was fired by the Maple Leafs on April 21, 2022, after the team was eliminated from the first round of the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Keefe has a record of 158-133-34 in 325 games as an NHL head coach. He led the Maple Leafs to the playoffs in all three seasons he was at the helm, but the team failed to advance past the first round each time.

The Devils are hoping that Keefe can bring success to a franchise that has struggled in recent years. The Devils have not made the playoffs since 2018 and have only won one playoff series since 2003. Keefe is known for his offensive style of play, and he will likely look to implement a similar system with the Devils.

Keefe is a native of Brampton, Ontario, and played in the NHL for nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames. He won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004.