Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe Takes a Shot at Former GM Kyle Dubas

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Wade Messier
July 21, 2023 (5:02 PM)

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The relationship between former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe was long rumored to be rocky, and recent comments have confirmed this. While most people in hockey remain professional, Keefe appears to be sneaking shots at Dubas into his press conferences.

Really Keefe?

Sheldon Keefe spoke to the media following the hire of two new Assistant Coaches for the Maple Leafs and threw some shade at Dubas in the process.

"It's as complete a staff as we've had in my time." - Sheldon Keefe

While you could choose to interpret this as Keefe's genuine reaction, it seems like he's taking aim at Dubas for not giving him the coaching staff he wanted.

Why would Keefe choose to attack his former boss, especially one who stood by him through tough times and refused to fire him even when it was justified? Perhaps this is Keefe's way of proving his loyalty to the new regime.

Keefe to Blame?

Sheldon Keefe was promoted straight from the Toronto Marlies to the Maple Leafs as their head coach and has only won a single playoff series in that time. On top of that, he's consistently had one of the best rosters to work with among the entire NHL, as the Leafs are loaded with star power.

For Keefe to paint Dubas as the reason the Leafs didn't have success, especially when he is the one on the bench with the players, is incredibly small.

Keefe may be fine taking shots now, but he'll certainly be the first one to go if things get rough next season, especially now that he has an assistant with Head Coaching experience.

As Seen on Blade of Steel - Sheldon Keefe throws some shade at Kyle Dubas after announcing new Assistant Coaches