Former NHL referee Tim Peel in a podcast episode.
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Controversial ex-referee Tim Peel blasts Sheldon Keefe

Published April 19, 2024 at 11:44
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The controversial ex-referee Tim Peel blasted the Toronto Maple Leafs' head coach Sheldon Keefe in a recent podcast episode about the way he handled Auston Matthews' quest to 70 goals.

Earlier this week, Keefe made a questionnable comment about Matthews as he looked to score his 70th goal of the season, a mark that hasn't been reached since 1992-93, when Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny both tallied 76.

He said that Matthews' milestone was a "major distraction" for the locker room.




Tim Peel, the former NHL official, blasted Keefe for his comments.

"This Sheldon Keefe kind of bugs me. I don't know what it is about the guy, but he rubs me the wrong way. He made a comment that Auston Matthews, his pursuit of 70 goals, his exact words, 'obviously that's a major distraction. it doesn't help us with what were trying to accomplish on the ice, but its exciting, I get it. especially when he gets to 69,' Keefe said.

If I'm Auston Matthews, I'm going, I'm a distraction? I might win the Hart trophy as the most valuable player. I'm going to win the Rocket Richard trophy this year, easily and I'm a distraction? that's what bugs me about Keefe, he says some stupid things and sometimes I think he feels its all about him and not about his players, but to call him a distraction I think its very disrespectful.

I think its disgusting he would call his player a distraction because he's trying to get to 70 goals."


He wasn't alone, PK Subban also severely criticized the coach:


Making you best player feel like a "major distraction" isn't exactly good for team morale, especially this close to the playoffs.

Keefe once again showed that he struggles to be a good leader. Could his time in Toronto come to an end this summer?
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Controversial ex-referee Tim Peel blasts Sheldon Keefe

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