Brad Treliving Opens Up on His Decision to Extend Keefe

With a new era being ushered in under GM Brad Treliving, there was a lot of uncertainty as to where head coach Sheldon Keefe stood. It's now clear that his place with the Leafs is firmly rooted for the next few years.

Treliving opened up at his press conference today explaining his rationale behind keeping Keefe for the next 2 years. His decision ultimately comes down to his belief in Keefe to take the club to the next level. His success in advancing last season has only extended his resume with the Club.

Brad Treliving says eliminating distraction is just a byproduct of extending Sheldon Keefe: "This gets done because I really think we've got a good coach here."

"To me, to have success in this league, you need to keep knocking on the door...When I just look at all the attributes for what are important for a coach, Sheldon's got them"

Brad Treliving, on his decision to give head coach Sheldon Keefe a contract extension: "I think Sheldon is a top coach. I think he's a really, really good coach. ... When you've got good people you want to keep them."

Keefe is notorious for being loved by his players, and that love was a small part of Treliving's decision to extend him behind the bench.

Treliving on getting the players' input on Keefe:

"It's not a popularity contest. But you can tell when a coach has had an impact...And that's one thing that came back to me consistently with the players"

"He's got a real good relationship with our players...

"It's not about being liked as a coach, it's about being respected"

#Leafsforever Treliving re Keefe

Previously on Hockey OTB

REPORT: Gary Bettman Screws Over Several Canadian Teams

REPORT: Top Acquisition Looking To Extend Longterm In Toronto

Two-Time Cup Winner Retires Due to Debilitating Eye Injury

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30 AOUT \| 99 ANSWERS Brad Treliving Opens Up on His Decision to Extend Keefe Will Keefe Lead the Leafs to a Stanley Cup Championship?
Yes	24	24.2 %
No	75	75.8 %
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