Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe after another playoff flop

On the heels of another playoff failure, the Toronto Maple Leafs have decided to part ways with Sheldon Keefe.

In a news release on May 9, the NHL team announced that Keefe had been “relieved of his role as head coach.”

“Today’s decision was difficult. Sheldon is an excellent coach and a great man; however, we determined a new voice is needed to help the team push through to reach our ultimate goal,” Leafs GM Brad Treliving said.

“We thank Sheldon for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the last nine years, and wish him and his family all the very best.”

The organization has tasked Craig Berube, the former head coach of the St. Louis Blues, with bringing the Stanley Cup back to Toronto.

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Keefe’s response

Keefe posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, thanking Leafs Nation for their support during his five seasons at the helm.

Thank you, Leafs Nation 💙✌️ pic.twitter.com/WN4iXJZjjE

— Sheldon Keefe (@SheldonKeefe) May 9, 2024

“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs. A dream come true for a boy from Brampton,” he said in the nearly two-minute video.

“I didn’t get it done in the playoffs. I didn’t help push our team over the line and deliver. I accept responsibility for that.”

The outgoing head coach concluded that he is looking forward to spending time with his family.

Rights when a fixed-term contract ends

Keefe’s termination comes less than a year after he signed a two-year extension to remain head coach of the Leafs through the 2025-26 season.

A fixed-term contract is an agreement between a business and a worker that explains what the employment relationship looks like, and the specific end date of the relationship.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains everything you need to know about fixed-term contracts on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Do you get severance at the end of a fixed-term contract?

A person typically doesn’t get a severance package at the end of their fixed-term contract.

They aren’t entitled to compensation if the contract ends at the specified date and isn’t extended.

What happens if the contract is ended early?

If an employer ends an employee’s fixed-term contract early, before the end date set out in the agreement, the employee is owed the remaining balance of the contract.

Working after the end of the contract

A person is considered a full, indefinite employee if they continue working for a company after the end date of their fixed-term contract.

The employer owes the individual severance pay if they are fired or let go in the future.

Multiple fixed-term contract renewals

Someone who works consecutive fixed-term contracts may actually be considered by the law to be an employee.

If the company decides to “end the contract” or not renew it, the individual will be owed a full severance package.

How is severance pay calculated?

In Canada, severance for non-unionized employees can be as much as 24 month’s pay.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.

The amount of severance you are entitled to when you are fired or let go is calculated using several factors, including:

To figure out how much compensation you should receive, use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

If your company’s offer falls short of what our Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed and should contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

We regularly resolve wrongful dismissal claims and can help you secure proper compensation.

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Don’t sign on the dotted line!

Do not accept any severance offer, termination papers, or exit agreement before seeking legal counsel.

Once you sign these documents and return them to your employer, you forfeit your ability to negotiate a proper severance package.

SEE ALSO
• Should I negotiate my own severance package in Ontario?
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Lost your job? Speak with an employment lawyer

If you were fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

We can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you are legally entitled to.