“Forever grateful for his contributions”: Keith Pelley to address Brendan Shanahan's exit from Toronto Maple Leafs after 11 seasons

Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan is resigning after serving the iconic franchise for over a decade, with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president Keith Pelley set to address the situation publicly on Friday, May 23, at 1 p.m. ET on TSN.ca. The news comes just a week after the Toronto Maple Leafs were knocked out of Game 7 of their second-round playoff series versus the Florida Panthers on Brendan Shanahan's watch—but still short of achieving a Stanley Cup breakthrough.
Brendan Shanahan looks back on Maple Leafs' path as organization goes in new direction
Brendan Shanahan's time with the Toronto Maple Leafs has ended with the non-renewal of his contract, announced by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) on Thursday. He had assumed command in 2014 and led a major rebuild that established the groundwork for a more competitive age, albeit one that did not culminate in a Stanley Cup.
In his goodbye message, Brendan Shanahan spoke volumes of appreciation to the franchise, the organization, and the fans. “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 honors of my life,” he said. “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.”
Keith Pelley, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) president, was also complimentary of his influence, reporting that the former executive had made a positive contribution on and off the ice. “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,” Pelley said on Thursday. “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 ‘Honour, Pride and Courage’ that it was founded on. 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 wishes him and his family every success and happiness in the future.”
The decision marks the beginning of yet another new era for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that remains in pursuit of its first Stanley Cup since 1967. Shanahan's time was marked by the additions of key front office members like general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Sheldon Keefe. While success during the regular season and the development of players improved under his tenure, playoff results always fell below fan and organizational expectations.
The 2025 playoffs came up short once more for the team as their playoff loss to the Florida Panthers ended on a sour note an otherwise promising campaign.
Also read: New York Islanders limit GM search to Marc Bergevin, Mathieu Darche amid Brendan Shanahan negotiations
The Toronto Maple Leafs—and its devoted fan base—look to the future now. With Brendan Shanahan leaving, a wide leadership void needs to be filled, one that has the burden of one of the most criticized franchises in hockey. The new era for the Toronto Maple Leafs commences now, with a precise objective: at long last, bring the Stanley Cup home to Toronto.