Brendan Shanahan has stepped down as President of Hockey Operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs after nearly a decade in the role. He joined the organization in 2014 with the goal of rebuilding the struggling team. However, despite the talent on the roster, the team advanced past the first round of the playoffs only once during his tenure. (File Photo of Brendan Shanahan)
Brendan Shanahan is out as President of Hockey Operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs, ending a nearly decade-long chapter marked by regular season success but consistent playoff failure. The news comes just weeks after the Leafs were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Bruins in a Game 7 overtime loss.
According to the team, Shanahan’s departure is a “mutual decision,” but it follows another frustrating end to a season filled with high hopes. The team finished third in the Atlantic Division and showed strong offensive power, yet again couldn’t deliver when it mattered most.
Additionally, there’s speculation that the team might consider bringing back Kyle Dubas or someone with a similar analytics-driven approach to reshape the roster and push the Leafs past their playoff struggles. The Leafs’ next president will likely need a blend of innovative thinking and a postseason success track record to meet the franchise's and its fans' high expectations.
As the Leafs look ahead to the next season, questions remain about the team's direction, including decisions on pending free agents and possible trades. The team will also need to determine whether Head Coach Sheldon Keefe will remain in his role.
Maple’s makeover under Shanahan’s leadership
Shanahan had been in charge since 2014, when he was brought in to rebuild a struggling team. Under his leadership, the Leafs underwent a complete rebuild, hired multiple general managers and coaches, and signed big-name players like John Tavares and Auston Matthews. But despite a talented roster, the team only made it past the first round once in that span.According to the team, Shanahan’s departure is a “mutual decision,” but it follows another frustrating end to a season filled with high hopes. The team finished third in the Atlantic Division and showed strong offensive power, yet again couldn’t deliver when it mattered most.
Who could be next?
While Brad Treliving is currently the interim head of hockey operations and a strong internal candidate, the Toronto Maple Leafs may also look outside the organization for fresh leadership. This could include executives with proven records of building playoff-winning teams or former players turned successful front-office figures.Additionally, there’s speculation that the team might consider bringing back Kyle Dubas or someone with a similar analytics-driven approach to reshape the roster and push the Leafs past their playoff struggles. The Leafs’ next president will likely need a blend of innovative thinking and a postseason success track record to meet the franchise's and its fans' high expectations.
“The Shanaplan”: Progress without the prize
Shanahan’s tenure was often referred to as “The Shanaplan,” a vision to return the Leafs to Stanley Cup contention through a mix of young talent, strong leadership, and patience. While the team improved from the early rebuild years and became a regular playoff contender, that ultimate goal of a championship never materialized.Fan reactions
Fan reaction has been mixed. Some appreciate the stability and progress made under Shanahan, while others have grown tired of early exits and called for broader changes in the front office.As the Leafs look ahead to the next season, questions remain about the team's direction, including decisions on pending free agents and possible trades. The team will also need to determine whether Head Coach Sheldon Keefe will remain in his role.
