The Toronto Maple Leafs and Brendan Shanahan are parting ways.
The club announced Thursday afternoon that Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the company that owns the franchise, would not be renewing the contract of the team's president and alternate governor when his contract expires on June 30.
In a statement, MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley praised Shanahan's contributions in the 11 years he served in his role, but added his reason to make the change.
"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 wish him and his family every success and happiness in the future."
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Pelley will address the media at Scotiabank Arena at 1 p.m. ET on Friday, May 22.
The news comes just days after the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs in seven games at the hands of the Florida Panthers. It had been widely reported that Shanahan was granted permission to speak with the New York Islanders about their executive openings. Permission to speak to an executive for similar positions with other franchises is usually not granted, prompting further proof that Shanahan's time in Toronto was coming to an end.
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While Shanahan was praised for some positive changes from the beginning of his tenure in 2014,the Leafs were unable to get past the second round during his tenure.
In a statement, Shanahan praised the organization while suggesting that Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving will remain in his role.
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"I greatly enjoyed working with Brad and Craig (Berube), and I firmly believe they are excellent in their roles and have done a great job in their time with the team," Shanhan said. "Also, I want to thank the players, they are committed and passionate about delivering a championship to this city and will do everything within their power to accomplish that goal. I wish them all the very best."
Shanahan inherited a franchise that consistently failed to make the playoffs (except in 2013 when they broke through in a 48-game season before falling to the Boston Bruins in the first round). He restored the franchise back to respectability among a fanbase by restoring relations with Leafs alumni changing previously honored numbers into retired numbers. Shanahan also added Legend Row outside of Gate 6 at Scotiabank Arena. He also changed the logo to the one it uses today ahead of the 2016-17 season, signaling a new era around a team built around it's youthful core players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander.
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Despite holding the longest active playoff streak at nine years, the Leafs consistently lacked success in the postseason under his leadership, winning just two playoff rounds.
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