Sheldon Keefe reportedly has already picked his new NHL team

PUBLICATION

Graham Montgomery
May 21, 2024 (11:14)

SHARE THIS STORY

The New Jersey Devils appear to be close to signing their next head coach, and it sounds like the team is leaning towards former Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.

The Devils famously fired their head coach Lindy Ruff before the regular season ended. They went with Travis Green for the remainder of the season, but he has since moved on to the Buffalo Sabres. NHL insider Kevin Weekes reported today though that the team is close to announcing their next bench boss. Reporters around the team believe they are leaning towards Sheldon Keefe.

I think this is probably going to be Sheldon Keefe, but we'll see in the next day or two #NJDevils

The word is that the Devils have already reached a verbal agreement with Keefe. However it sounds like Keefe is still pondering whether or not he really wants the job.

Was told there is a verbal agreement in place with Sheldon Keefe again it comes down to it he wants the job. But again nothing official is official but have to expect the announcement next day or two. #njdevils
@FullPressNHL @myNHLTradeRumor

Elliotte Friedman shared his thoughts on the situation this morning on 32 thoughts. He specifically stated, "Keefe has a legit chance at this if he wants it." This wording would also seem to imply that Keefe may not be 100% sold on becoming the Devils' next coach. Perhaps he is considering taking some time off. Maybe he wants to weigh other offers.

The scales seem to be tipping toward Sheldon Keefe being the #NJDevils' favorite coaching candidate.

Friedman on 32 Thoughts today: "Keefe has a legit chance at this if he wants it."

Who knows what could be going through Keefe's mind? We may very well get an answer to that question as it sounds like the Devils will be making an announcement for their next head coach at some point in the coming days.

POLL
Do you think the New Jersey Devils will make the playoffs next year if they hire Sheldon Keefe as their next head coach?
Yes	130	61.9 %
No	80	38.1 %
List of polls