Brendan Shanahan Out as President of Toronto Maple Leafs After 11 Seasons

TORONTO, Canada — The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that Brendan Shanahan will no longer serve as the team’s president and alternate governor, following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. This decision comes after the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Florida Panthers.

MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley issued a statement reflecting on Shanahan’s contributions over the past eleven years. “Brendan is one of the most respected leaders in the game and has made countless contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the ice, off the ice, and in the community,” Pelley stated. He added that while Shanahan united the franchise around its founding principles, the organization seeks a new voice to elevate the team to the next level.

Shanahan joined the Maple Leafs as president in April 2014, transitioning from his role as the NHL’s director of player safety. Under his leadership, the team reached the playoffs nine consecutive years, but advanced past the first round only twice. Notable achievements during his tenure included drafting stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, as well as signing John Tavares in 2018.

After the announcement, Shanahan expressed gratitude in a statement shared via social media. “Toronto is where I was born and raised… being part of this historic franchise will always be one of the greatest honours of my life,” he wrote. He noted the hard work of the ‘entire Maple Leafs’ staff’ and thanked the fans for their passion and loyalty.

Despite the successes in roster building, the Maple Leafs have yet to reach the Eastern Conference Final during Shanahan’s tenure, a fact that has led to discussions of needed changes within the organization. Shanahan’s exit aligns with significant turnover in the team’s executive group in recent years.

The Maple Leafs have not yet announced who will succeed him. Speculation also surrounds Shanahan’s next career move, as reports indicate that the New York Islanders have sought permission to interview him for an executive position.