'I'll Be Better In That Area': Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe Fined $25K by NHL, Acknowledges Improvement Needed When Speaking with Referees

In a release, the NHL says they have fined Keefe $25,000 for "for unprofessional conduct directed at the officials that resulted in a game misconduct" on Tuesday.

Keefe was given a game misconduct with less than three minutes remaining in the game after the Maple Leafs' coach continued to discuss a penalty that happened a few minutes prior, where Mitch Marner was called for tripping Chandler Stephenson.

Keefe was upset at the call because on the replay it appears that although Marner hit Stephenson's knee with his stick, the player ultimately looked like he went down on his own.

Following the game on Tuesday, Keefe was pressed about his exchange with the referees, but declined to speak about it.

"Not going there," he said.

Ahead of Thursday night's game against the Arizona Coyotes, the Maple Leafs head coach was asked about his philosophy when speaking to referees, and how he does it while also letting his team know that he's in the fight too.

"All I'll say is, there is a fine line between being the voice for the players, at different times, to try to be the voice so that they don't have to be, they can focus on playing," Keefe said. 

"My job as a coach is to really make sure I'm focused on the next moment and what comes next. I don't feel like I lost control or anything like that the other night. But I'm not focused on the right thing."

This isn't the first time Keefe has been fined by the NHL for the way he's talked to the officials, though. On Dec. 28, 2022, he was handed a $25,000 fine for "demeaning conduct directed at the officials" in a game against the St. Louis Blues the night prior.

Keefe acknowledged on Thursday morning that he needs to be better, and will be better in that area.

"My job is to be focused on the right thing, the player's job is to be focused on the right things. I'll be better in that area. It's a chance for me to reflect and grow from it."