"He deserves it" - NHL analyst gets honest on reception Sheldon Keefe is likely to receive during Toronto visit from Maple Leafs fans

The New Jersey Devils visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, and former Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe will be coaching the visiting team in Toronto for the first time since leaving last offseason. He was replaced by Craig Berube.

Keefe had a good tenure in Toronto, and NHL insider James Duthie of TSN thinks the fans should be fair to him when he returns. He was unable to lead them to the promised land, but he was a good coach in Duthie's opinion. He said on First Up (3:51):

"I think he did a I think he did a really good job here. You know, obviously he couldn't get them over the hump, but I think he was a good coach and good citizen while he was here. I think he did a lot of good for himself on his way out."

He continued, praising Keefe's outgoing message to the Leafs and their fans. He called it "one of the better coaching goodbyes" that he's seen.

"Not that should matter in the way you're evaluated afterwards, but, you know, just thank you. You know, there was no bitterness whatsoever. So I think he'll definitely get a warm reception, and he deserves it, and he's done a great job in Jersey, right?" the insider added.

Both teams are poised for deep playoff runs. Keefe has the Devils 26-15-5 and in second place in their division. The Leafs are in first place at 27-16-2, but they trail New Jersey by a single point overall.

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Sheldon Keefe details difference in New Jersey and Toronto

Sheldon Keefe will be an opposing coach in Toronto, but he spent a long time as the home boss for the Maple Leafs. It was a different coaching experience than the one he's had in New Jersey. Keefe said (03:40) on First Up:

"There's a different experience, no doubt, you know, for lots of reasons, because of the market, in the media and all the things that go with it. But also, you know, the expectation and sort of the call it failure, if you will."

Sheldon Keefe believes both teams aren't quite in the same spot despite similar standings. The Leafs expect playoff success year in and year out, while New Jersey is trying to return to that stature across the NHL.