Report: Leafs expected to discuss extension with Keefe this offseason

It's normal for a general manager entering a new organization to hire his own coach, but that doesn't appear to be the case in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs are expected to discuss a contract extension with head coach Sheldon Keefe this summer, TSN's Darren Dreger reports. New GM Brad Treliving and Keefe have already begun interviewing candidates together to replace departed assistant coach Spencer Carberry, Dreger adds.

Keefe is entering the final year of his contract. He was hired by Toronto's former GM, Kyle Dubas, who was fired in May. The two had a lengthy history together, as Dubas hired Keefe to be his coach on three different occasions - with the OHL's Soo Greyhounds in 2012, the AHL's Toronto Marlies in 2015, and the Leafs in 2019.

Toronto made it past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2004, but that brief moment of celebration was followed by a disappointing five-game exit at the hands of the Florida Panthers in Round 2.

Keefe has guided the Leafs to a 166-71-30 record over four regular seasons. His .678 points percentage is the best in franchise history, and the third best all time among people with 100 NHL games coached. However, his playoff record is just 13-17.

"I think he's a really good coach," Treliving said during his introductory press conference June 1. "My view is, determining whether a guy's good, bad, or indifferent, you have to work with him. You have to get to know him. ... I'm coming in with no preconceived notions."