Following a 6-game losing streak, the Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Mike Babcock.
Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan announced Wednesday that Babcock will be replaced by Sheldon Keefe.
“Today, we made the decision to relieve Mike Babcock of his coaching duties and named Sheldon Keefe our new head coach. Over parts of the last five seasons, Mike has played an integral role in changing the direction of our franchise,” says Shanahan.
Keefe who formerly was the head coach of the top AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies, will become the 40th head coach in team history. In his four full seasons of coaching the Marlies, Keefe complied a documented history of success with the AHL club. In the 2017-2018 season he was able to lead the Marlies to their first championship, the Calder Cup.
In the press release, Shanahan said of Keefe, “At this time, we collectively felt that it was best to make a change to Sheldon Keefe. Sheldon’s record with the Marlies in terms of development and on-ice success during his time in our organization has compelled us all to feel that he is the right person to take us to the next stage in our evolution.”
In his five seasons in Toronto, Babacock’s regular season record came to 173-133-45 (.492 win percentage). Under Babcock, the team had three consecutive losses in the first round of the playoffs, twice going to 7 games with the Bruins. The team has not advanced past the first round of the NFL Playoffs since 2012.
“Mike’s commitment and tireless work ethic has put our organization in a better place, and we are extremely grateful and appreciative of the foundation he has helped us build here,” says Shanahan.
The Maple Leafs will attempt to halt their losing streak against the Arizona Coyotes this Thursday. Arizona will be coming off back-to-back shutout victories in Calgary and Los Angeles.
