What can New Jersey Devils learn about Sheldon Keefe based on his time in Toronto?

Overshadowed by short postseasons, there’s little room for question that the Maple Leafs have been one of the league's best teams during Sheldon Keefe's tenure. In Keefe’s four full seasons with the team, they hit the 100-point mark in three of them. The only time they yielded that number was in the COVID-shortened 2021 season when they finished first in the division with 77 points in 56 games.

Keefe’s work in the development of young stars warrants merit. Auston Matthews has won three Rocket Richards, Mitch Marner flirts with 100 points each year, William Nylander has turned in back-to-back 40-goal campaigns. All top draft picks have flourished under Keefe’s system in terms of personal development and team success.

How it Relates to New Jersey

Roster-wise there are many comparable's between Toronto and New Jersey. Young core, two stars down the middle, an abundance of scoring on the wing in the top-six.  

Keefe runs a 1-3-1 system. This plays into the forte of the Devils' roster. A quick team with a lot of offensive skill that feels comfortable if the game is decided on which team is better in transition. One of the things that made the Devils so successful in 2023 was their ability to come in waves on a constant forecheck. It is a style that is successful in creating offense if you have the right makeup.

Both the Devils and Maple Leafs have dangerous offenses but how the defense is built is why Keefe and New Jersey should have more success. In the offseason the Devils prioritized building a complete defense. Something that the Maple Leafs failed to do prior years.

Having reliable personnel on the back end will give the forwards the capability to play to their full potential. Jacob Markstrom in net is also a bonus.

Breakout player to benefit under Keefe?

The player to look at is Dawson Mercer. After a blistering year two of 56 points, Mercer dropped to 33 last season. It seemed he was being worked into the top six as opposed to where he demanded a spot the year prior.

Nylander, a player in a similar situation to Mercer at this point in his career, unlocked his potential under Keefe. Nylander hadn’t eclipsed 25 goals in his four seasons and was coming off a seven-goal year. In five seasons with Keefe, he’s hit 30 on four different occasions, as well as 40 in the past two years. 

Keefe has a track record of helping young, developing players meet or surpass their expectations. With an extension looming, the personnel around him expect Mercer to take advantage of the opportunity.