Presidential position of Toronto Maple Leafs to remain vacant after Shanahan let go

There will be no replacing Hockey Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan as the Toronto Maple Leaf’s president, as that will role will remain vacant.

The head of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Shanahan was let go.

After a disappointing Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers last week, we knew some changes were on the way in Maple Leaf land.

“I think I said to you last year, that ‘good’ simply isn’t good enough, and that’s the case here,” said Keith Pelley, the CEO of the MLSE.

The first domino to fall was Shanahan, who was the president until he was relieved of his duties Thursday.

The Hockey Hall of Famer spent 11 seasons in Toronto and rebuilt the floundering Original Six franchise, but was unable to break through in the playoffs despite a boatload of offensive talent, led by forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

“I think we need to be on the pathway to win the Stanley Cup,” said Pelley. “The city has told us that, the media has told us that – we haven’t won since 1967.”

Pelley announced Friday that the team would not be replacing Shanahan, but added very little else in his 30 minute media conference.

“Absolutely, a complete waste of time – a word salad, just the same of clichés,” said Matthew Cauz, a radio host with The Sports Network. “I thought it was interesting that Keith Pelley said that when people have major surgery, only 10 per cent of the time do they change their lifestyle.”

But change is exactly what fans say the team needs.

“Absolutely – nine years of this, not getting out of the second round, we need guys who have the will to win. Playoff performers,” said one person who spoke with CHCH News.

“It’s the players’ fault, not Shanahan’s fault, but he’s the scapegoat,” said another person. “The ‘Shanaplan’ didn’t work that’s for sure.”

The Leafs have a real opportunity to change their lineup: star forward and leading scorer Mitch Marner is a free agent, and can re-sign or walk; John Tavares is up for a new contract as well.

Cauz said Friday’s media conference left him with too many unanswered questions.

“I just want to know what happens with Marner and Tavares, and what are his thoughts about his star players not scoring at critical times,” said Cauz.

Local players who were playing shinny (pick-up hockey) at the Harry Howell Arena in Waterdown told CHCH News their thoughts on what the team should do.

“They need to shake it up really well, make new trades – a whole new mentality,” said one person.

“This is the end for him, it’s his unrestricted free agency year,” said another person. “It’s too hot in the kitchen for him.”

“I like Marner,” said a third person that spoke with CHCH News. “I think Nylander should go, he just skates around, he doesn’t really play defence.”

Pelley said no player decisions would be made until after he sits down with the Leafs’ general manager Brad Treliving this weekend.

READ MORE: Mitch Marner mum on Maple Leafs future; John Tavares ‘optimistic’ on his own return