Brendan Shanahan leaves Maple Leafs presidency after 11 seasons
After 11 seasons, Brendan Shanahan will not renew his contract as president and alternate governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The organization announced its decision on Thursday, ending months of speculation about Shanahan’s future with the franchise.
Shanahan, 56, a Hall of Fame player, had held the position since April 2014.
“Over the past 11 seasons, Brendan Shanahan has made countless contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs on and off the ice, and in the community,” said Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President and CEO Keith Pelley, in a statement. “… Our primary responsibility and motivation, however, is to add a new chapter to the Maple Leafs’ championship history, and it was determined that a new voice was needed to take the team to the next level in the coming years.”
Keith Pelley, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
Pelley is scheduled to meet with the media on Friday.
In his own public statement, Shanahan said he was informed during a meeting on Thursday about MLSE’s decision not to renew him. He thanked the board of directors for their support during his tenure in Toronto and shared his admiration for the remaining Leafs leadership group he helped establish, including general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube.
“I really enjoyed working with Brad and Craig, and I firmly believe they are excellent in their roles and have done a great job in their time with the team,” Shanahan said. “Also, I want to thank the players. They are committed and passionate about getting a championship for this city and will do everything in their power to achieve that goal. I wish everyone the best.”
Brendan Shanahan
Before Thursday’s announcement, the Maple Leafs had already given the New York Islanders permission to speak with Shanahan about a position on their team.
Shanahan, a Toronto-area native, joined the Leafs as they prepared to enter a rebuilding phase, installing what became publicly known as the “Shanaplan.” He revamped the front office immediately, hiring former general manager Lou Lamoriello and head coach Mike Babcock in 2015. Toronto finished in last place in 2015-16 and won the NHL draft lottery, using the first overall pick in 2016 to select Auston Matthews.
The center spearheaded Toronto’s remodeling with, along with Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares, the “Core Four” of the Leafs. During Shanahan’s tenure, the Leafs enjoyed regular season success, but failed to translate it into playoff wins despite multiple personnel changes along the way.
Despite an impressive roster of talent, Toronto has been eliminated in the first round in six of their last eight full-season playoff series.
The Leafs advanced to the second round this season and led the series 2-0 over the Florida Panthers, but lost three of the last four games, including lopsided home losses in Games 5 and 7.
Toronto, which recorded seven consecutive losses in decisive games under Shanahan, has not advanced to the third round since 2002 and its Stanley Cup drought is now 58 years.
Shanahan won the Stanley Cup three times with the Red Wings during his 21-year playing career from 1987-2009. He spent time with New Jersey, St. Louis, Hartford, Detroit, and the New York Rangers.
A month after hanging up his skates, Shanahan began working in the league office as vice president of hockey and business development. There, he worked with Islanders co-owner John Collins, and was later promoted to senior vice president and took on the NHL’s disciplinary responsibilities.
