A Potential Shift to Long Island?

Is Brendan Shanahan on the brink of a major career change? The New York Islanders are reportedly keen to discuss the possibility of bringing the seasoned executive on board as they seek a new leader for their hockey operations.

Shanahan's Current Situation with the Leafs

At 56, Shanahan has just wrapped up his 11th season as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, with his current contract nearing its expiration at the end of June. After setting high expectations for this season, including a playoff run that everyone hoped would lead at least to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Leafs fell short—again. They began their second-round series against the reigning champions, the Florida Panthers, with promise but ultimately lost in a heartbreaking seven-game series that featured two humiliating 6-1 home defeats.

An Uncertain Future

As the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) prepares for an upcoming end-of-season review, Shanahan's fate is expected to be hotly debated. If the team decides to part ways with him, insiders suggest the role may remain vacant for some time. Adding to this uncertainty is a significant ownership shift at MLSE, following Rogers Communications' acquisition of Bell Media's share, which will increase their control to 75 percent.

Off-Season of Change for the Leafs

This summer is pivotal for the Maple Leafs, as key players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares are approaching the unrestricted free agency market, while breakout star Matthew Knies will be a restricted free agent.

Shanahan: A Hall of Famer