3 reasons why Sheldon Keefe is the right man for New Jersey Devils HC Job

Sheldon Keefe is the new head coach of the New Jersey Devils, and is contracted for the next four years.

He was relieved of his duties with the Toronto Maple Leafs following yet another unsuccessful playoff run, resulting in their fifth elimination in as many seasons. This year, the Keefe’s Leafs lost in heartbreaking fashion following a Game 7 overtime goal, courtesy of Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak.

With his move to New Jersey, Devils fans are still unsure as to whether he will be able to deliver the required change following a disappointing season.

This year, the Devils posted a disappointing 38-39-5 record and missed the playoffs just one year after their dazzling 112-point campaign and first-round victory over the New York Rangers in 2022-2023.

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald fired Head Coach Lindy Ruff in March , who held the position since July of 2020. Ruff has since found a new home with the Buffalo Sabres for the upcoming year.

Here are three reasons why, despite his lack of playoff success, Sheldon Keefe is an excellent fit for the future of the New Jersey Devils.

Related: Predictions for the conference finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The New Jersey Devils need a playoff berth – Sheldon Keefe can make it happen

If the Devils made the playoffs this season, it would be a different story.

However, for the 10th time in 12 years, New Jersey missed the “Spring Fling” of Stanley Cup contention, all while possessing more than enough pieces to get into the dance.

To be fair to the Devils, the injury bug bit them hard and often.

Star defenseman Dougie Hamilton played in only 20 games before suffering an upper-body injury and missing the rest of the campaign.

Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, and Nico Hischier were all sidelined for more than 10 contests each. They were slated to be premier point-getters.

With a superior level of talent, this team is expected to make the playoffs. Sheldon Keefe has the proven track record to make it happen.

It’s true – Keefe was behind the bench for all five of the Leafs’ disappointing playoff runs, with a series win over Tampa Bay in 2023 being the only time Toronto advanced past the first round.

But Toronto never missed the playoffs under his tutelage. Not once.

Keep in mind – Toronto didn’t make the postseason for 15 years until Sheldon Keefe arrived. While his playoff record may not be pretty to look at, his Maple Leafs (who were without Auston Matthews for most of the Boston series) were just one goal away from advancing for the second straight year.

Sheldon Keefe gets the most out of young, offensive talent

When Keefe took the reins in Toronto in November of 2019, he inherited a squad brimming with youthful talent, ranking as the NHL’s fourth-youngest squad with an average age of 26.08 years.

Under his guidance, the team has consistently clinched playoff berths since that season, boasting a dynamic trio of budding stars.

When Keefe entered the scene, Auston Matthews was a fresh-faced 22-year-old. Mitch Marner was the same age. William Nylander, who this year signed an eight-year contract extension with the club, was only 23.

Fast forward to 2024, and the New Jersey Devils find themselves in a similar situation. They’re among the league’s youngest teams, with an average age of 27.12 years.

Anchored by promising talents like Jack Hughes, Dawson Mercer, Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier, they mirror the trajectory of Toronto’s young core, hinting at the potential for similar success in the years to come.

Related: Early offseason signs point to Steven Stamkos staying with Tampa Bay Lightning

Newark isn’t Toronto, and that’s a good thing

With his move to helm the New Jersey Devils, Sheldon Keefe carries with him an air of determination fueled by shortcomings during his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“I didn’t get it done in the playoffs. I didn’t help push our team over the line and deliver. I accept responsibility for that. No excuses. That’s the job and I didn’t get it done”, Keefe admitted in his seaside farewell address to “Leafs Nation” on May 9.

The weight of expectations and intense scrutiny in Toronto contributed to the pressure Keefe faced. The “playoff choking” narrative has followed the Maple Leafs relentlessly, as anything short of total success is dismissed as another blunder and waste of immense talent.

However, in New Jersey, Keefe is away from the spotlight of an Original Six team with massive expectations.

Next season’s outlook is good, but the Devils’ top priority is a return to form.

The “line” that Keefe must push his team over is far less daunting than in years past.

Sheldon Keefe will address the Devils media for the first time on Tuesday, May 28th at 11 a.m. EST.

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