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New Jersey Devils Find Their Next Head Coach

The New Jersey Devils have their new head coach in former Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.

By Nicholas Rome

Apr 24, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe listens to a question from the media following a loss to the Boston Bruins in game three of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe listens to a question from the media following a loss to the Boston Bruins in game three of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports / John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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The New Jersey Devils have finally found their long-term head coach by hiring former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe, after firing Lindy Ruff early in March.

The Devils coaching search was widely anticipated as the fanbase had hopes of luring Rod Brind'Amour away from Carolina or landing Craig Berube who ended up in Toronto. The contract will have Keefe as the Devils coach for four years, including the two years the Maple Leafs owed to him.

The Devils were one of the most attractive landing spots for a head coach this off-season with one of the game's best players in Jack Hughes and a young, developing defensive core. Keefe will now oversee the development of the Devils' intriguing group as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season.

The reason Keefe was fired in Toronto was for a lack of postseason success. However, he did a fantastic job with the team throughout his five seasons in Toronto. During his stint, Keefe led the Maple Leafs to a 212-97-40 record qualifying for the playoffs every season.

The hiring of Keefe starts what should be an off-season filled with exciting news for Devils fans. The team holds the tenth-overall pick in this year's draft while holding five other draft picks that could be used as trade assets.

Paired with great draft capital, the Devils have nearly $19 million dollars in cap space that could be used on bringing a massive piece to New Jersey. The Devils should fare better with injuries in 2024-25 and paired with a developing young core this team could be primed for a deep postseason run.

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