Shanahan signs six-year contract to remain Maple Leafs president
Hockey Hall of Famer has 'no desire to leave what we've started here'
NHL.com @NHLdotcom
Brendan Shanahan on Tuesday signed a six-year contract to remain Toronto Maple Leafs president and alternate governor through the 2024-25 season.
Since Shanahan was hired April 11, 2014, the Maple Leafs have reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs three times (2016-17 to 2018-19), had consecutive 100-point seasons for the first time in their history and had a Toronto record 105 points in 2017-18. They went 46-28-8 and finished third in the Atlantic Division this season but lost in the Eastern Conference First Round in seven games to the Boston Bruins.
"When [Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment] approached me several months ago to discuss an extension, I told them this would be quite simple as I've had no desire to leave what we've started here with the Maple Leafs," Shanahan said. "I'm thankful to the Board of Directors, our coaches, trainers, management and office staff, and especially our players for the professionalism and dedication they display every day.
"I'd also like to thank our incredibly loyal fan base. The trust and passion they've shown is truly inspiring and drives us to never quit until we reach our ultimate goal."
Selected by the New Jersey Devils with the No. 2 pick in the 1987 NHL Draft, Shanahan had 1,354 points (656 goals, 698 assists) in 1,524 NHL games with the Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers. The three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002) is the only player in NHL history with more than 600 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes (2,489).
"One of the things we are most proud of at MLSE is our team leaders' impact on each of our team's successes and our company's culture, and Brendan is a perfect example of that," MLSE president and CEO Michael Friisdahl said. "He brings a championship attitude to the team and the entire organization."
Shanahan was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013 and named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in 2017.
"On behalf of the MLSE Board of Directors, and certainly our company and fans as well, we are very pleased to see Brendan continue in his role as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs," MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum said. "Brendan's positive impact on this team has not only been felt on the ice, where the team is on an impressive path, but throughout the league, with the Leafs alumni, and in the community. We look forward to continued success for the Maple Leafs under Brendan's leadership over the next six years."