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Sheldon Keefe

Sheldon Keefe is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player, currently head coach of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sheldon Keefe is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player, currently head coach of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Brampton, Ontario, he played right wing in the NHL for the Tampa Bay Lightning before moving into coaching. He previously coached the Toronto Maple Leafs and won the Calder Cup with the Toronto Marlies in 2018.

Early life and playing career

Sheldon Keefe was born on September 17, 1980, in Brampton, Ontario. He played junior hockey in Canada before being selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round, 47th overall, of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 125 NHL games as a right winger for the Lightning.

Coaching career

Following his playing career, Keefe transitioned to coaching in Canadian junior and professional hockey. He was hired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs in November 2019. His most notable coaching achievement came with the Toronto Marlies, whom he led to the Calder Cup championship in 2018.

New Jersey Devils

Keefe became head coach of the New Jersey Devils in 2024. As of 2026, he remains in that role.

Notable achievements

His most prominent coaching success came with the Toronto Marlies' 2018 Calder Cup title. His career also includes 125 NHL games as a player and a rapid rise through coaching ranks.

Key facts

  • Sheldon Keefe is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player, currently head coach of the New Jersey Devils.
  • He was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
  • He played 125 NHL games as a right wing for the Lightning.
  • He coached the Toronto Marlies to the Calder Cup in 2018.
  • He was hired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs in November 2019.
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Canadian context

Keefe is Canadian, was born in Ontario, and developed both his playing and coaching career through Canadian junior and professional hockey systems.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sheldon Keefe?
Sheldon Keefe is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former NHL player who is head coach of the New Jersey Devils.
Where was Sheldon Keefe born?
He was born in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
What position did Sheldon Keefe play?
He played right wing.
Which NHL team drafted Sheldon Keefe?
The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted him 47th overall in 1999.
What is Sheldon Keefe’s biggest coaching achievement?
He coached the Toronto Marlies to the 2018 Calder Cup championship.
Which NHL teams has Sheldon Keefe coached?
He has coached the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New Jersey Devils.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheldon_Keefe
    Supports: Birth date and place, Canadian nationality, draft selection, coaching roles with Maple Leafs and Marlies, Calder Cup win
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/get-to-know-sheldon-keefe-three-things
    Supports: Draft position, Brampton origin, junior hockey background, NHL debut, coaching background
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/player/sheldon-keefe-8467920
    Supports: Birth date and place, playing position, draft selection, NHL playing statistics
  4. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/devils/video/sheldon-keefe-25-26-exit-interviews-6393173808112
    Supports: Current role as New Jersey Devils head coach
  5. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-a-look-at-the-rise-of-new-toronto-maple-leafs-coach-sheldon-keefe/
    Supports: Toronto Marlies coaching record and career rise