After over a decade of calling the shots in Toronto, Brendan Shanahan is officially out as president of the Maple Leafs and hockey fans have a lot to say. From rebuild mastermind to playoff frustration figurehead, his exit marks the end of one of the NHL ’s most talked-about front office eras. But why now? What’s next? And could he already be plotting a comeback with another team?
Brendan Shanahan exits the Maple Leafs presidency after 11 years of highs, heartbreaks, and heated debates
Brendan Shanahan first took over as the Leafs’ president back in 2014, promising to build a new culture and he did. He led the charge on a total franchise makeover, from hiring big-name execs like Kyle Dubas and Mike Babcock to pushing through some painful but necessary rebuilding years.
By the numbers, the Leafs made the playoffs nine times during his 11-season run. Not bad. But here’s the kicker: they only made it past the first round twice. And for a city starving for a Stanley Cup ? That just didn’t cut it.
Now, with his contract up at the end of June, the organization is officially moving in a new direction. No renewal. No “one more try.” The Shanaplan is done.
The playoff curse never lifted and it might’ve cost him his job
If Toronto had gone deeper this year, Shanahan might still be around. But after yet another gut-wrenching Game 7 loss this time to the Florida Panthers in Round 2, the pressure reached its breaking point.
Fans were fed up, media speculation was swirling, and the front office had to ask the tough question: Is it time for a new voice at the top?
Shanahan admitted in his farewell statement that while he’s proud of what they built, the ultimate goal, the Cup, remains out of reach. That lingering failure, fair or not, became the defining feature of his presidency.
Could Brendan Shanahan be heading to the New York Islanders next?
Don’t expect Shanahan to stay off the radar for long. According to reports, the New York Islanders have already received permission to speak with him about an executive role , possibly replacing Lou Lamoriello in a full-blown front office overhaul.
That rumor’s gaining traction fast, especially with the Isles also dealing with playoff disappointments and a leadership gap. If he joins, it could be a fresh start for both sides and another shot for Shanahan to finish what he couldn’t in Toronto.
Also read - Did Auston Matthews say he might leave? Leafs stars spotted golfing after Game 7 loss sparks fan reaction
Brendan Shanahan exits the Maple Leafs presidency after 11 years of highs, heartbreaks, and heated debates
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 22, 2025
Brendan Shanahan first took over as the Leafs’ president back in 2014, promising to build a new culture and he did. He led the charge on a total franchise makeover, from hiring big-name execs like Kyle Dubas and Mike Babcock to pushing through some painful but necessary rebuilding years.
By the numbers, the Leafs made the playoffs nine times during his 11-season run. Not bad. But here’s the kicker: they only made it past the first round twice. And for a city starving for a Stanley Cup ? That just didn’t cut it.
Now, with his contract up at the end of June, the organization is officially moving in a new direction. No renewal. No “one more try.” The Shanaplan is done.
The playoff curse never lifted and it might’ve cost him his job
If Toronto had gone deeper this year, Shanahan might still be around. But after yet another gut-wrenching Game 7 loss this time to the Florida Panthers in Round 2, the pressure reached its breaking point.
Fans were fed up, media speculation was swirling, and the front office had to ask the tough question: Is it time for a new voice at the top?
Shanahan was the problem, wouldn’t let Dubas get rid of Marner
— Joe (@xislanders) May 22, 2025
dude you had lou and mark hunter and let them both go.
— cane5611 (@coach5611) May 22, 2025
had kadri and hyman
you had all the motion and no results.
Shanahan admitted in his farewell statement that while he’s proud of what they built, the ultimate goal, the Cup, remains out of reach. That lingering failure, fair or not, became the defining feature of his presidency.
Could Brendan Shanahan be heading to the New York Islanders next?
Don’t expect Shanahan to stay off the radar for long. According to reports, the New York Islanders have already received permission to speak with him about an executive role , possibly replacing Lou Lamoriello in a full-blown front office overhaul.
That rumor’s gaining traction fast, especially with the Isles also dealing with playoff disappointments and a leadership gap. If he joins, it could be a fresh start for both sides and another shot for Shanahan to finish what he couldn’t in Toronto.
Also read - Did Auston Matthews say he might leave? Leafs stars spotted golfing after Game 7 loss sparks fan reaction
You may also like
Tenerife holiday home horror as rotting corpses found with 'signs of violence'
Microfinance firm Fusion suffers 4th consecutive quarterly loss
Bayern Munich release Florian Wirtz statement involving Liverpool
Most ridiculous reasons people have been kicked off flights from 10kg boobs to singing
The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3: Premiere date, cast and more
