Keefe takes over as Head Coach, Babcock issues a statement

It has happened. Mike Babcock has been fired. Though many had demanded his termination, few thought it would happen this abruptly. Nethertheless, here we are.

Babcock has issued a formal statement on his release.

Statement form Mike Babcock (via @PierreVLeBrun): https://t.co/TwvK2hXBJK #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/2NR7Vz1klH— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) November 20, 2019

The Leafs will be in very capable hands moving forward with 39-year-old Brampton, Ontario native Sheldon Keefe. The former Marlies bench boss has cemented his legacy at the AHL level with a 2018 Calder Cup Championship. He has excelled at every level he has ever coached at. He is a young coach in a young man's game and that bodes well for the Maple Leafs.

Keefe was responsible for developing: Kapanen, Johnsson, Nylander, Dermott, Sandin, Moore, Gauthier, Holl, Engvall, Timashov and many other young studs who are yet to play in the NHL.

Suffice it to say, there are mixed emotions to this news all around Leafs Nation, but rest assured, if anyone can help turn this season around for the Buds, it's Sheldon Keefe.