The firing of head coach Sheldon Keefe was probably necessary, but it still boiled up some debate in the Toronto media and fan circles. On one hand, it’s hard to justify keeping your head coach, who had one playoff series win in four-and-a-half seasons, when you’re a team that’s expected to compete for the Stanley Cup every year. On the other hand, the Maple Leafs’ tendency to allow their opponents to bottle them up and prevent production from the star players hasn’t helped either, and giving the same core their third head coach to try and succeed under seems like an easy bullet to fire.

Nevertheless, it happened, and there’s an argument to be made that they came out on top with the hiring of Craig Berube, regardless. But that doesn’t mean Keefe’s tenure with the Maple Leafs was a complete failure. He became the Maple Leafs’ all-time leader in regular season wins by any head coach, and lack of playoff success aside, doing that for a 107-year-old franchise counts for something. And regardless of whether or not you believe he deserved to be fired, he handled it with class.

“I didn’t get it done in the playoffs. I didn’t help push our team over the line and deliver. I accept responsibility for that. No excuses. That’s the job, and I didn’t get it done.”

There are few things that you can say to a fanbase whose team is 57 years removed from a Cup to make them feel better, especially after the seventh first-round loss in eight years of what’s touted as the most talented iteration of this team. But Keefe’s message sat well with everybody. He acknowledged that he didn’t get the job done, and that’s ultimately what matters most to the team, the media, the fans, everyone.

He didn’t have to do it. A simple “I’d like to thank X, X, and X for the opportunity, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter.” But he spoke like somebody who hails from the GTA and understands the hunger this market has for any kind of success. He understood that nobody wanted to hear anything but “we weren’t good enough” and kept it concise albeit genuine.

Keefe is enjoying success with the New Jersey Devils early in his new chapter, carrying a record of 21-11-3, good for second in the Metropolitan Division. But as was the case in Toronto and as it is with Berube and his first-place Maple Leafs, the true test won’t come until April.

Alright, hockey fans, this isn’t just a trip—it’s the Nation Vacation, and we’re heading to the Music City from March 20th to 23rd! Get ready to watch Toronto take on Nashville in their own barn, soak up the honky-tonk vibes, and make unforgettable memories with the Nation crew. Whether you’re all in for a flight package or prefer a non-flight option, we’ve got you covered. Just don’t wait—spots are limited, and this trip is going to be electric. Book your spot NOW at nationgear.ca. Let’s go, Toronto! Nashville is calling!