Sheldon Keefe will officially return as Head Coach of the New Jersey Devils heading into the 2026-27 season, as confirmed by insider Elliotte Friedman on Tuesday. This announcement follows the numerous front-office and staff changes since Sunny Mehta took over as GM, including naming Braden Birch as Assistant GM and firing Goaltending Coach Dave Rogalski.
With these changes and the Devils’ poor performance this season, Keefe’s return was in question. Another season of missing the playoffs will surely cost him his position.
Last Year Was Keefe’s Worst Season Yet
With an eight-game win streak in October, the Devils appeared to have made major improvements to their goaltending and on-ice chemistry, two major issues in recent seasons. Once that streak ended, they never reached the same height for the remainder of the season.
In Keefe’s seven years as head coach, he had never missed the playoffs before, including in his five years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. When the Devils were eliminated in the first round last season by the Carolina Hurricanes, they had at least qualified.
“It’s difficult, it’s embarrassing, I don’t like it. I’ve coached for 20 years, this is the 1st time I won’t be participating in the playoffs at any level,” said Keefe, as shared by Devils Reporter Amanda Stein.
This career low for Keefe, combined with Mehta’s promise to conduct a full evaluation of the organization, indicates that Mehta still has hope for the HC and is willing to usher Keefe into a new era for the team.
Fans Do Not Want Another Ruff
While former Devils head coach Lindy Ruff is back for his second stint with the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey fans can still recall the disappointment felt under his leadership. Ruff was the head coach responsible for only one playoff appearance in four seasons, which resulted in a second-round elimination. The Devils fired him during the 2023-24 season.
Next season, Keefe must prove to both Mehta and the fans that he can build this team up from their lackluster performances in recent years. With talent such as Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt, the team is underperforming, considering the potential their top stars possess.
Next season will be Keefe’s third year with the Devils organization, and this may be his last chance to prove himself in Newark.
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