Leafs coach Keefe admits he constantly argues with GM Dubas

Even though the situation is getting Bette and he considers Kyle Dubas to be his longtime friend, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has revealed that he regularly argues with his general manager. 

“We’ve grown close, but disagree almost on a daily basis,” Keefe said with a laugh during a conference call with media. “At times, it gets very heated. Even though we’re aligned in our vision of where we want to go and how to get there, we’ll have some debate.

“It’s not always rosy, but that’s what I love about it. Because we’re so aligned, we’re able to move on, make the right decisions at that time and get focused.”

While it is believed that the relationship between Dubas and Keefe is way better than the one between the GM and former head coach Mike Babcock, it sounds like nothing is perfect in the Maple Leafs’ front office. 

And it might get loud between the two men, but it sounds like an agreement always take places. On top of that, Keefe did admit that he does not let things get out of hand the same way with his players. 

“Motivation is a funny thing. It comes, it goes, it wavers,” Keefe told host Danielle Emanuele on Sunday during the Maple Leafs’ online Coaches Open House. “We try and really tap into the players. What’s their inspiration, their passion? Why have they committed their lives to hockey? It’s not just on the back of motivation, they must be truly inspired by something. As coach, it’s important to learn what that is.”

And so for now, while he may keep arguing with his general manager, Keefe is focused on motivating his players and getting for next season, whenever it may be. 

“You’re constantly looking for a way to connect the day with a story line, what a game has to do with the standings, what occurred against that team previously. But not everyone will respond to a certain message. Some players want it very direct, good or bad. Some, you have to build up with positives first. Some want to see it on video. Some want to talk face-to-face. Some are good with just shooting them a text message to think about as they’re going to bed.

“A lot of our job is to keep the fire burning. You have to find ways to change it up. The season is long or the team is tired. That’s when I’ll bring in music at practice or more competitive drills, to get them moving.”

And we hope to see the Leafs moving on the ice soon.