The pressure is undoubtedly on for Keefe to perform this season. As the leader of the bench staff and one of the few remaining pieces from the Kyle Dubas era, a slow start to the season could spell his end with the Leafs.
It wouldn't be the first time a new GM went back on his word regarding coaching changes. When Kent Hughes started as GM with the Montreal Canadiens, he assured fans that head coach Dom Ducharme would be at the helm for the entire season. Ducharme was swiftly removed that January after a slow start from the team.