Keefe was coaching an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena for the first time since being fired by the Maple Leafs on May 9. Having been hired by the Devils 14 days later, he’d faced his former team twice this season, both at Prudential Center.

Sheldon Keefe wryly noted he’ll never be completely severed from his previous life in Toronto as long as he must battle traffic to reach Scotiabank Arena. But Thursday night will be akin to the final cutting of the cord for the coach,

New Jersey Devils coach Sheldon Keefe admitted that he is looking forward to his first game back at Scotiabank Arena since the Toronto Maple Leafs relieved him of his duties over the summer.