Quick Hit One: Maple Leafs Extend Sheldon Keefe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Last week, the Maple Leafs signed coach Sheldon Keefe to a contract extension. In the announcement of the signing, current GM Brad Treliving commented on Keefe’s accountability for the lack of playoff success. He also noted Keefe’s transparency, honesty, and responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Sheldon-Keefe.jpeg\")
Interestingly, that sets up Keefe’s playoff success as a final test for his success as a coach. Where does that leave Keefe’s coaching future after the 2023-24 season if his team fails again? Given Brad Treliving’s decision-making history in Calgary with the Flames, Keefe could be out in a heartbeat. Treliving fired Geoff Ward and replaced him with Darryl Sutter in one fast-moving day during the 2021 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quick Hit Two: The Maple Leafs Considered Trading Nylander<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There was news last week that the team had considered trading William Nylander but couldn’t find a deal they liked. Elliotte Friedman reported on those potential trade conversations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given Nylander’s impressive statistics, he won’t be that easy to replace. As well, Nylander has only ever expressed a desire to remain in Toronto with the Maple Leafs. The lack of a long-term contract for him doesn’t seem to be an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quick Hit Three: Topi Niemela Is a Unique Prospect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There’s no question that Topi Niemela is a unique prospect. Given his performance playing in Europe and at the World Juniors, he’s shown he has the talent to succeed in the NHL. He also had a record-setting performance in Liiga for U20 defensemen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, Niemela does experience some challenges due to a lack of physical strength. His playing style relies on his smarts and his skills. This upcoming season, he’ll work on adding muscle and strength in his time with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. He should be able to show if the expectations for Niemela’s progress and NHL readiness are accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quick Hit Four: Simon Benoit Signing Is Good for the Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I keep reading about the signing of defenseman Simon Benoit. It suggests that he’ll be an addition to the team’s depth on defence. However, could he be more than that? Last season he was a second-pairing defenseman with the Anaheim Ducks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Might his one-year contract turn into more? I have a feeling that he might be an under-the-radar signing that becomes something special. I think he could become a regular with the team. He has size and physicality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n