
Could Brendan Shanahan Reshape the Buffalo Sabres' Future?
2025-05-24
Author: Ling
In a bold move that could shake up the NHL landscape, sports journalist Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News is advocating for the Buffalo Sabres to bring Brendan Shanahan on board as a senior advisor, even if it's just for a short stint of one year.
With the recent announcement that the Toronto Maple Leafs won't be renewing Shanahan's contract, speculation has been swirling. While he's currently linked to the New York Islanders, there are whispers that their interest may have faded after they appointed Mathieu Darche as their new General Manager.
This opens up a golden opportunity for the Sabres, the only team still looking for high-level executive talent this summer. As noted by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Buffalo is keen on enhancing its management team by adding a senior advisor to support General Manager Kevyn Adams.
Why is this significant? The Sabres have been in a decades-long rut, missing the playoffs for an astonishing 14 years—far longer than the Maple Leafs' struggle to reach the Eastern Conference Finals under Shanahan's leadership. Bringing in a seasoned strategist like Shanahan could provide the fresh perspective and experience needed to turn the franchise around.