PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins have vacancies at multiple coaching positions across the organization, and the hunt is on for top names to fill the holes. One of the most prominent free agent coaches just became available as the Toronto Maple Leafs fired head coach Sheldon Keefe.
While the Penguins don’t plan on firing head coach Mike Sullivan any time soon, Keefe seems like a good option for one of the openings. The Penguins are looking for a new assistant to replace Todd Reirden, while the head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins is also up for grabs.
The Athletic’s Rob Rossi tossed cold water on the idea of Keefe coming to the Penguins organization, but anything is still possible. According to Julian McKenzie of the Athletic, the Penguins are a top option for landing the free-agent bench boss.
McKenzie stated that if a surprising departure of Sullivan were to occur, Keefe would be among Penguins president Kyle Dubas’ leading candidates.
“If Sullivan leaves this offseason, Keefe would be seen as a top target with Kyle Dubas at the controls in Pittsburgh.”
What makes Keefe so attractive to Dubas is their connection with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL, which dates back to 2012. The two joined forces again in the Maple Leafs organization, where more success followed. As head coach of the Toronto Marlies, Keefe brought a Calder Cup to the organization, the American Hockey League champion in 2018.
The New Jersey Devils recently received permission to interview Keefe for their head coaching spot. Keefe getting hired somewhere in the Penguins organization seems unlikely, but the connection between Dubas and Keefe can’t be denied.
