More than a few analysts wondered aloud, and more than a few Toronto types opined. If the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t advance past Round One, they would fire coach Sheldon Keefe, and Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas would quickly snap him up.
There were also plenty of unsubstantiated rumors about Penguins coach Mike Sullivan finding other employment, including a wild trade scenario with the New Jersey Devils.
The Boston Bruins beat Toronto in Round One, bringing some of the speculation to reality. Toronto cut Keefe loose, intensifying the speculation.
However, the New Jersey Devils finally ended the speculation on Wednesday afternoon when they hired Keefe as their next head coach. The Devils’ job has been open since March 4, when they fired coach Lindy Ruff and replaced him with interim coach Travis Green.
Green took the open Ottawa Senators job earlier this month.
TSN reports New Jersey gave Keefe a four-year contract and a raise over his Toronto salary. James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now reports that Keefe chose the Devils’s job due to the young stars in the lineup, including Jack Hughes.
