Brendan Shanahan out as Toronto Maple Leafs team president
'It was determined that a new voice was required to take the team to the next level in the years ahead.'
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As the window begins closing on the Core Four era of the Maple Leafs, the first person officially defenestrated is club president Brendan Shanahan.
Keith Pelley, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, made the announcement Thursday afternoon after a previously scheduled company board meeting. Pelley, who brought back Shanahan upon his own hiring last year, could not justify a new deal as Shanahan’s contract was up for renewal after a ninth straight playoff appearance did not get past the second round.
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Pelley, who will address the media on Friday, was complimentary of Shanahan’s 11-year contributions in a release, for coming back to his hometown to try and lift his boyhood team from near the bottom of the NHL pile. Shanahan improved relations with past Leafs, in particular the self-exile of Dave Keon. Yet regular season results, including four straight 100-point seasons, never translated in spring despite the presence of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares. He signed off on some massive contracts.
“Brendan has made countless contributions to the Leafs on the ice, off the ice and in the community,” Pelley said. “Brendan is one of the most respected leaders in the game and has instilled many of the traits that were the signature of his Hall of Fame career throughout the organization.
“Our responsibility and driving motivation, however, is to add a new chapter to the 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.”
Shanahan is likely to land with the New York Islanders in a similar executive position. That club received permission from MLSE to speak to him this week.
In his own release through the team, Shanahan stated:
“I want to thank the board for the tremendous support they have shown me over my tenure. 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.
“I want to thank the entire Leafs’ staff for their commitment and hard work over the years – they are second to none in the NHL.
He also singled out alumni who served as ambassadors, and the vast support of Leafs Nation.
“I want to thank the fans for their passion and loyalty. Your love for the team inspired me every day. While I am proud of the rebuild we embarked on starting in 2014, ultimately, I came here to help win the Cup, and we did not. There is nothing more I wanted to deliver to our fans, and my biggest regret is that we could not finish the job.
“I greatly enjoyed working with (GM Brad Treliving) and (coach Craig Berube). I firmly believe they are excellent in their roles and have done a great job in their time with the team. Also, I want to thank the players, they are committed and passionate about delivering a championship to this city and will do everything within their power to accomplish that goal.”
Treliving, no matter who he is working under as Shanahan’s position might be eliminated, has to get on with business. The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reports Treliving’s duties are not changing. When he does face the press he will address the playoff letdown against the Florida Panthers and perhaps hint about the fate of imminent free agents Marner and Tavares.
Shanahan might not be going to the Island with full clout, at least to start. Isles’ ownership, led by CEO John Collins, is well down the road interviewing general manager candidates to replace GM Lou Lamoriello, multiple chats with Mathieu Darche, director of hockey operations when Tampa Bay won two Cups, and former Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin.
The attraction for Shanahan would be working with Collins again, 10 years after they were both in the NHL’s executive offices. Going to the Isles would also complete quite the Tri-State tour for Shanahan, who played for the New Jersey Devils, the defunct Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers and now possibly working for the rival Isles.
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