The Toronto Maple Leafs have parted ways with team president Brendan Shanahan after 11 years at the helm and only two first round playoff successes. The announcement comes less than a week after a disappointing game 7 drubbing, 6-1 at the hands of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on May 18.
This despite winning the Atlantic Division crown this season with an impressive 52-26-4 record under new coach, Craig Berube.
“While I am proud of the rebuild we embarked on starting in 2014, ultimately, I came here to help win the Stanley Cup, and we did not,” Shanahan said. “There is nothing more I wanted to deliver to our fans, and my biggest regret is that we could not finish the job.”
Hired by Toronto Maple Leafs in April 2014, Shanahan was president during the process of assembling the team’s renowned ‘core 4’ including: Auston Matthews, the No. 1 pick of the 2016 NHL Draft; forward William Nylander, the No. 8 pick of the 2014 NHL Draft; forward Mitch Marner, the No. 4 pick of the 2015 NHL Draft; and the signing of center John Tavares as a free agent in 2018. Marner and Tavares can each become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
“Over the past 11 seasons, Brendan Shanahan has made countless contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the ice, off the ice and in the community,” MLSE president & CEO Keith Pelley said.
“Brendan is one of the most respected leaders in the game and he has instilled many of the traits that were the signature of his Hall of Fame career throughout the organization, uniting this storied franchise in the ‘Honor, Pride and Courage’ that it was founded on,” reads a portion of the team’s statement on nhl.com.
A new voice needed
“Our responsibility and driving motivation, however, is to add a new chapter to the Maple Leafs’ championship history, and it was determined that a new voice was required to take the team to the next level in the years ahead. The franchise will be forever grateful for Brendan’s contributions and wish him and his family every success and happiness in the future,” said Pelley.
Aside from getting out of the first round of the playoffs only two times. the Leafs under Shanahan’s watch managed to remain highly competitive year after year, reaching the playoffs an impressive nine times. Their first round successes came against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023 and just this year against their Ontario rivals the Ottawa Senators in six games.
One of the greatest honours of my life
“Toronto is where I was born and raised, where my family still lives, and being a part of this historic franchise will always be one of the greatest honours of my life,” Shanahan said in a statement. “I want to thank the entire Maple Leafs’ staff for their commitment and hard work over the years – they are second to none in the National Hockey League.
“I want to thank the Alumni for all of their support and the tremendous work they do at our games and within the community. Many of them were my heroes growing up and it has been a pleasure to get to know them on a personal level. I want to thank the fans for their passion and loyalty. Your love for the team inspired me every day.
Brad Treliving in charge
Shanahan’s departure leaves Leafs’ general manager Brad Treliving in charge of hockey operations. He has been with the Maple Leafs for two seasons.
“I greatly enjoyed working with Brad (Treliving) and Craig (Berube), and I firmly believe they are excellent in their roles and have done a great job in their time the the team,” said Shanahan.
The final words from the Maple Leafs president acknowledge the commitment of the players to deliver an elusive Stanley Cup to Toronto – the coveted holy grail of hockey that has avoided the team’s trophy case since 1967.
“I want to thank the players, they are committed and passionate about delivering a championship to this city and well do everything within their power to accomplish that goal. I wish them the very best,” concluded Shanahan.
Prior to joining the Maple Leafs, Shanahan had worked for the NHL, including three seasons as vice president of player safety.
Shanahan on the ice
During his 21-season NHL playing career with the New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers, he won the Stanley Cup three times, with the Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002), and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. His 656 goals are 14th all-time, and his 1,524 games played are 20th.
Future move
In terms of his NHL future, the Maple Leafs had already granted Shanahan permission to speak with the New York Islanders regarding a “front office job” according to Sportsnet sources. The Isles have vacant president and general manager positions after parting ways with Lou Lamoriello. Shanahan’s contract with the Maple Leafs was set to expire on June 30. Needless to say, it is not being renewed but it looks like the former Leafs’ president may be set to sail off into a new chapter on Long Island. That all remains to be seen, as the Islanders surely will speak to several suitors.
by Terry Lankstead
SOURCE notes NHL.com
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