Maple Leafs sign ‘top coach’ Sheldon Keefe to two-year contract extension

Folarin Balogun’s Departure from Arsenal

1. Folarin Balogun bids farewell to Arsenal after an eight-year association with the club.
2. The 22-year-old striker, who recently had a successful spell at Stade de Reims, scoring 22 goals last season, makes a return to Ligue 1 by signing a five-year contract with Monaco.
3. Arsenal secures a £34m transfer fee for Balogun, with an additional 17.5 percent sell-on clause included in the deal.
4. Despite his promising talent, Balogun did not make a competitive appearance for Arsenal this season, following his return from the Reims loan.
5. He faced strong competition in the Arsenal forward lineup, with players like Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard ahead of him in the pecking order.

Maple Leafs’ Recent Performance:

• The Toronto Maple Leafs finished the previous season on a strong note.
• They secured the second position in the Atlantic Division with an impressive record of 50 wins, 21 losses, and 11 ties.
• The team also achieved a significant milestone by winning their first playoff series since 2004, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning.
• However, their playoff journey was halted in Round 2 when they were swept by the Florida Panthers.

Keefe’s Gratitude and Commitment:

• Sheldon Keefe expressed his gratitude for the privilege of coaching the Maple Leafs.
• He conveyed his excitement about continuing to work towards the team’s ultimate goal.
• Keefe acknowledged the support from the organization and its leadership, emphasizing their commitment to team success.

The contract extension of Sheldon Keefe reflects the Maple Leafs’ dedication to building a competitive team under his leadership.