Former player comments on Sheldon Keefe, shutting down a common narrative
PUBLICATION
Liam
September 10, 2023 (6:41 PM)
After spending almost nine seasons within the Maple Leafs organization, Pierre Engvall was traded to the New York Islanders at last season's trade deadline. Now out of the media spotlight in Toronto, Pierre Engvall spoke candidly in an interview with the 32 Thoughts Podcast, and spoke specifically about his relationship with Sheldon Keefe.
The 6'5 forward was much maligned by many fans during his time in Toronto for not using his size effectively, but also adored by many others as an analytical darling. Speaking with the 32 Thoughts Podcast however, Engvall noted that the noise of the Toronto market never phased him, and was consistently believed in by coach Sheldon Keefe.
When Elliotte Friedman asked Engvall about an anecdote where another Leaf said conversations between himself and Keefe could get heated, Engvall dismissed any speculation of disagreements, and spoke about Keefe's tough love approach.
I felt like he believed in me but also he could tell me I needed to play better. *Laughs*. We had a pretty good relationship, I think. But he told me when I didn't play good. He was honest about that.
It's always interesting to see former Leafs speak honestly about the team once they've left the spotlight of the Toronto media. In this case, a dividing player giving Keefe a vote of confidence is a welcome sight, opposed to the usual criticisms when a player leaves their original team.
POLL |
SEPTEMBRE 10 | 116 ANSWERS Former player comments on Sheldon Keefe, shutting down a common narrative Do you think Sheldon Keefe is a bad coach? |
Yes | 46 | 39.7 % |
No | 54 | 46.6 % |
He's not, Dubas just controlled him | 16 | 13.8 % |
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