Maple Leafs Won't Renew Brendan Shanahan's Contract amid Islanders Rumors

Amid rumors of his departure to the New York Islanders, Brendan Shanahan won't return as the Toronto Maple Leafs president.

The Maple Leafs announced Thursday that Shanahan's contract will not be renewed. Shanahan has been the team's president since 2014.

The Maple Leafs released a statement regarding Shanahan's departure on Thursday.

“Over the past 11 seasons, Brendan Shanahan has made countless contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the ice, off the ice and in the community,” MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley said. “Brendan is one of the most respected leaders in the game and he has instilled many of the traits that were the signature of his Hall of Fame career throughout the organization, uniting this storied franchise in the ‘Honour, Pride and Courage’ that it was founded on. Our responsibility and driving motivation, however, is to add a new chapter to the Maple Leafs’ championship history, and 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.”

Toronto made the postseason in all but two of Shanahan's seasons in charge. While the Maple Leafs have consistently put together a playoff-caliber team, they reached the second round just two times and never advanced to the Eastern Conference Final.

In 2024-25, Toronto went 52-26-4 and lost to the Florida Panthers in seven games in the second round.

Shanahan's time with the Maple Leafs is over, but he could be back in a front office soon. The Islanders, who parted ways with president and general manager Lou Lamoriello following the end of the season, were granted permission to speak with Shanahan regarding their open role.

New York, fresh off a 35-35-12 season, is looking to return to playing at a championship level, and Shanahan could be the person to help turn things around.