NHL news: Sheldon Keefe Fired, plus injury notes for Avs, Stars, Oilers, Panthers and Rangers

Maple Leafs fire Sheldon Keefe

Toronto Maple Leafs: The Maple Leafs have relieved Sheldon Keefe of his head coaching job. The search for a new coach begins immediately.

• Pierre LeBrun: Keefe will sign a two-year contract extension next year.

David Pagnotta: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving: “Today's decision was tough. Sheldon is a great coach and a great man; however, we decided that a new voice was needed to help the team move forward to reach our ultimate goal. We thank Sheldon for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the past nine years, and we wish him and his family all the best.”

Jonas Siegel: The Leafs are still making decisions on the rest of the coaching staff that includes Guy Boucher, Mike van Ryn, Dean Chynoweth, Manny Malhotra, and Curtis Sanford.

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

– Sheldon Keefe (@SheldonKeefe) May 9, 2024

NHL Injury Updates

Pierre LeBrun: Colorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin skated yesterday and coach Jared Bednar said that while his progress is encouraging, there is no timetable for his return.

Brian Rea: Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment returned to the lineup last night.

Ryan Rishaug: Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl was not on the ice yesterday. Striker Adam Henrique was practicing in a regular jersey.

• Ryan Rishaug: Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said both Draisaitl and Henrique are day-to-day.
• Derek Van Diest of NHL.com: Oilers coach Knoblauch said after their last game Draisaitl had cramping and equipment issues. He missed the last 8 minutes of the second half.

Jameson Olive: Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice said forward Sam Bennett will participate in their morning skate today and will go from there.

Kurt Dusterberg of NHL.com: New York Rangers forward Filip Chytil returned to the lineup for the first time since suffering a lower back injury on November 2nd.

“We are very happy to bring him back, bring him back to the fold, bring him back to the team,” Kreider said of Chytil. “Obviously, it's kind of a long, frustrating road for him, so it's been amazing for him to come and speak out there and have a positive impact.”