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Toronto Maple Leafs: Is Sheldon Keefe headed to the NHL?

By Paul Taylor

391776 02: (FILE PHOTO) The CN Tower and the Skydome highlight the Toronto skyline in his undated file photo. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) meets in Moscow July 13, 2001 to decide between front runners Beijing, Paris and Toronto for the site of the 2008 summer Olympics. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
391776 02: (FILE PHOTO) The CN Tower and the Skydome highlight the Toronto skyline in his undated file photo. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) meets in Moscow July 13, 2001 to decide between front runners Beijing, Paris and Toronto for the site of the 2008 summer Olympics. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images) /
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Fresh off winning the Calder Cup with the Marlies, could Sheldon Keefe be set to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs organization for a head coaching job in the NHL?

The Toronto Marlies may still be basking in the glow of their Calder Cup championship, but questions loom. For example, which players will be with the Toronto Maple Leafs come October time, and who will be brought in to replace them?

However, arguably the most important question surrounds the future of Sheldon Keefe. Will he still be leading the way for the Marlies next season, or taking on a coaching gig at the NHL level?

Understandably, there is no way of knowing for sure at this stage. The Toronto Sun‘s Steve Simmons wrote on Saturday that Keefe has given no hint about his future yet.

However, there is one development — or lack thereof — which might indicate a clue towards what lies ahead. As reported by Sportsnet‘s Chris Johnston, general manager Kyle Dubas has said no NHL teams have requested permission to speak with the Marlies’ head coach.

So what does this mean? Well for a start, it’s pretty surprising, given everything Keefe has accomplished.

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What more do people want from the 37-year-old, who took over as Marlies’ head coach prior to the 2015-16 season. During his tenure in Toronto, he has a sensational record of 150-63-15.

Keefe’s list of accomplishments include two division championships, a couple of regular season titles and a Conference Championship. And, of course, the first Calder Cup in franchise history.

Unfortunately for the former NHL winger, part of the challenge comes down to a lack of opportunities at the NHL level right now. As per Pro Hockey Rumors, he was apparently a candidate for the Dallas Stars and New York Rangers during the season, but the majority of coaching vacancies have now been filled.

Now it’s still possible Keefe could get offered a position in the coming weeks or months. However, the odds seem to favor him returning to the Marlies for at least one more season.

Make no mistake though, the Brampton, Ontario native should get an opportunity in the NHL sooner than later. His combination of age, success and reputation make it a virtual guarantee.

With this in mind, Marlies and Leafs fans alike should take the time to appreciate Keefe now. Because who knows how long he has left in Southern Ontario.

Next: When will Auston Matthews sign a new deal?

What’s your take on the job Keefe has done with the Marlies? How much longer do you believe the Leafs organization will be able to keep hold of him? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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