Sheldon Keefe makes his feelings known on first game back in Toronto since being fired as Maple Leafs HC

New Jersey Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said that being back in Toronto would be a unique experience he was excited about, adding that he was looking forward to reconnecting with close friends and family.

Keefe, who spent nine years as coach of the Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, said he was going to feel a little funny to be on the visiting side but that he was going to try his best to enjoy the experience nonetheless.

"I’m excited for it. I spent nine years there," Keefe said. "There’s the Leafs time, but the Marlies time was equally special to me. Was fortunate to essentially raise my family there, and in fact they are still living there. So it’s great to get back there, will be able to have lots of friends and family in the building."

This is the first time that Keefe will be in Toronto in a professional capacity since he was fired as the Leafs' coach. He added that he was looking forward to catching up with some familiar faces who he didn’t get to meet when the Leafs traveled to New Jersey earlier in the season.

"I’ve been able to connect in the two games that we’ve played the Leafs here in Jersey, with lots of the traveling party in that I’m used to seeing," Keefe added. "There are a lot of people throughout the organization and through the building that you are used to seeing and are such a big part of your career that it’s a chance to reconnect with them and see them.

Keefe, who joined the Devils in May 2024 after being fired from the Maple Leafs earlier that month, has a record of 26-15-5 for 57 points this season. The New Jersey Devils are second in the Metropolitan Division and seventh in the NHL.

Sheldon Keefe looks back on his time as Leafs’ coach

Sheldon Keefe told reporters that he felt he benefitted greatly from his time coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs, even though he admitted that taking on such a high-profile challenge for his first NHL coaching gig was “not the ideal situation.”

Keefe also said that the pressure of the Leafs' job meant he grew a thick skin and learned on the job faster than usual. All this means he will have no trouble keeping a professional mindset.

"I fully expect that once the puck drops, it’s going to be hockey and you’re going to do your thing that way," Keefe uttered. "But all of the other stuff outside of it, it’s different and unique and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll try my best to enjoy it."

Toronto hosts the New Jersey Devils on Thursday and will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak.