Brendan Shanahan Out as Maple Leafs President: What’s Next for Toronto Hockey?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into a new era. Brendan Shanahan, the team president behind the once-hopeful “Shanaplan,” has officially parted ways with the organization after 11 years. His departure follows another early playoff exit—something Leafs fans have grown tired of watching.

The End of the Shanaplan

Back in 2014, Shanahan stepped in to rebuild a broken franchise. At first, his strategy brought optimism: a fresh logo, cultural resets, and franchise-defining players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares.

But over time, the patience wore thin. Despite nine straight playoff appearances, the Leafs managed only two series wins under Shanahan’s watch. Four coaches, four general managers, and years of “run it back” strategies later, the front office finally decided it was time for a new voice.

Even Shanahan admitted it:

“Ultimately, I came here to help win the Stanley Cup, and we did not.”

Leafs Fans Sound Off

Shanahan’s exit sparked strong opinions across Leafs Nation.

On social media, some were harsh:

• “He’s mismanaged everything… worst executive of the last 10 years,” one user posted.
  
• Broadcaster Sid Seixeiro criticized how the team “constantly traded picks and prospects to support a core that wasn’t working.”
  

Others offered more balanced takes:

• “He honored the Maple Leaf brand and got the Leafs back to the playoffs… but was stubborn with the Core 4,” said sportscaster Steve Clark.
  

It’s clear fans appreciate Shanahan’s class and intent—but not the results.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

The team now faces a pivotal offseason. Contracts for Mitch Marner and John Tavares are up, creating uncertainty about the future of the Leafs’ “Core Four.” The NHL free agency period opens on July 1, and the team will need to act fast to reshape its roster—and possibly its identity.

MLSE President Keith Pelley has a tough task ahead. The organization is holding a news conference on Friday, May 23, and fans are hoping for answers. This could be the start of a bold new chapter—or another rebuild that falls short.

Do you think the Leafs should keep Marner and Tavares, or is it time to move on from the Core Four?

More…

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nhl/news/brendan-shanahan-rejected-by-islanders-after-toronto-leafs-exit/articleshow/121382051.cms
• https://ca.news.yahoo.com/no-successor-brendan-shanahan-leafs-221848393.html
• https://www.toronto.com/news/brendan-shanahan-let-go-as-maple-leafs-team-president-whats-next-and-how-fans-are/article_3ae4fdab-2e39-5850-b18c-26028a73dac8.html