Confirmed with Link: Sheldon Keefe to be named the next head coach of the New Jersey Devils

[bossram]

Keefe wasn't my top choice, but I don't mind the hire. He's a good Xs and Os coach. He dramatically improved the Leafs defensive systems play and turned them into a strong possession team. That's an area of improvement for the Devils.

 

[1specter]

Leaf fan here, this is genuinely a good hire for you guys. Keefe was able to cut his teeth in the most pressure packed market,I think he will handle NJ well and is a great fit with the roster.

 

[Cheddabombs]

Devils fans, thank you for all your support. I couldn't get it done, I didn't get the job. I take responsibility for that and I let you all down.

 

[MVP Zacha]

He is going to fall in love with Nico in a hurry I think

That was exactly my first thought. He has a knack for getting players to play a 200 foot game and he is coming in to NJ and has one of the best 200 foot players already.

 

[Whaddagoal]

Wow, this guy is only 43. Barely older than me. I thought he was older. Haha.

My Youngish comment...The ish doesn't even need to be there.

 

[MVP Zacha]

1-5 playoff series record
0-3 game seven record
Lets celebrate

You really are a miserable person aren't you? Or you are a Rag fan that created an alt account.

 

[Bcap88]

Kaplan comments are telling. Willing to work with other departments means he agreed to act like he is listening to analytic nerds

Every big sport uses analytics. It’s adapting to a new modern coaching

Please tell me what it was like when you got ur first cell phone

 

[Normal Devil]

I like it .. I think he was the best available, and I have high hopes that the devils will be back in the playoffs this next season. Hopefully he can lock down some killer assistants and Fitz can lock down a legit starting goalie.

 

[NjDevsRR]

 

[Its Always Sundstrom]

Every big sport uses analytics. It’s adapting to a new modern coaching

Please tell me what it was like when you got ur first cell phone

 

[DerekDevils30]

Leafs fan chiming in

Keefe wasn't the problem in Toronto, especially not this year. The star players badly underperformed, without Matthews for half the series, Nylander missing 3 games, he got this team to a game 7 OT. The defense was stellar.

Issue was our guys couldn't bury their chances.

Just couldn't run it back for a 6th year, I think you guys will like him a lot.

Very smart defensively and gets his guys to commit to a 200ft game, Matthews really developed defensively under him, knows how to play a smart defensive system. Offensively he likes to get his blue liners in on the forecheck, winger drops back to the blue line, he believes in puck possession vs safe shut down D. So expect your D to go in for pucks along the board and have the winger drop back for support quite often, led to a lot of O-zone time and chances.

Biggest challenge for him has always been he overthinks, he just outthinks himself. He's a really smart coach and understands the game well, he just (in the playoffs at least) panics? sometimes and just second guesses himself. We all have that one guy in our fantasy leagues, who has his lineup set and then at the last second makes a change, that's Keefe.

But new GM in Toronto, it was just time for a new voice, really likeable guy, great coach, I think you guys will be happy with him. He knows how to build a strong relationship with his players and utilizes his tools (player personnel) really well.

Wishing Keefe and you guys the best, great coach and despite the failures in Toronto, nothing but respect for him.

Love this breakdown. He’s going to have so much fun having Hamilton, Hughes, and Nemec at his disposal pinching and creating/sustaining offensive pressure.

 

[HBK27]

Preferred Woodcroft but very happy with this hire.

 

[OmNomNom]

Fresh question:

who fills out the rest of the coaching staff? all the assistants are staying in toronto

 

[Bcap88]

You really are a miserable person aren't you? Or you are a Rag fan that created an alt account.

BerubeBob27

 

[Satans Hockey]

Someone on njdevs said it is what it is and that's basically how I feel. Not at all excited about it but don't hate it and also not really confident in it either.

 

[HersheyBob27]

Every big sport uses analytics. It’s adapting to a new modern coaching

Please tell me what it was like when you got ur first cell phone

What a horrible comparison

 

[MadDevil]

Considering Bob's opinion on Bratt, I think him hating Keefe bodes well for us.

 

[JimEIV]

I knew if I went fishing for a few days the devils would hire a coach.

I have no opinion.... around the end of December beginning of January I'll have an opinion.

 

[Andre Palot]

> Went to change username

> "Chief Keefe" already taken

 

[Bcap88]

> Went to change username

> "Chief Keefe" already taken

Chicagos finest

 

[OmNomNom]

I knew if I went fishing for a few days the devils would hire a coach.

I have no opinion.... around the end of December beginning of January I'll have an opinion.

that's honestly the opinion we all should really have

we all dunked on ruff, but he had us eating crow 2 years back once he dragged us into playoffs. so many variables, we don't know how things'll turn out

 

[HersheyBob27]

He can say - of course you dont, of course your favorite was Berube.

If we will play in the second round next year, will you cook the crow steak to eat it? Medium rare.

We just signed up for a first round exit

 

[MadDevil]

> Went to change username

> "Chief Keefe" already taken

I would say try to work a Big Bang Theory or Young Sheldon reference in there but I can't stand either show.

 

[mistaclick]

He’s a good coach, and a class act. At least from what I know. Didn’t work out in Toronto but we have no goaltending, a mediocre blue line, and forwards making 8 digits who shy away from the corners.

Piggy backing on what others have said, Toronto has had an issue for a couple years with playing well against good teams and then completely sh**ting the bed against bottom feeders. Not entirely on the coach, but I sometimes wondered if there was a lack of motivation or accountability. Also in the past he would have lines in blenders trying to get something to spark, then in playoffs when the team hits a wall he wouldn’t seem to try and change a lot. There have been a few head scratchers where you wonder why he wouldn’t try to spark something, dress/scratch different guys, adjust the forecheck/zone entries, call someone out, etc. Something to spark the team or underperforming players.

Regardless, he’s a great coach and still very young, has found success at every level and I think he’ll only get better. Was out coached in playoffs in the past but was better these past two years. Good with young players evidently, and with less media and a fresh start he’ll probably have more success moving forward.

As a leafs fan, congratulations! Give him the benefit of the doubt, he will help lead this team to the playoffs. I for one do not blame him for our recent failures..

 

[Ripshot 43]

Devils fans, thank you for all your support. I couldn't get it done, I didn't get the job. I take responsibility for that and I let you all down.

View attachment 874487

We were rooting for you