Brendan Shanahan won't return as president of Maple Leafs - ESPN

After 11 seasons, Brendan Shanahan will not have his contract renewed as president and alternate governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The organization announced its decision in a statement Thursday, ending months of speculation surrounding Shanahan's future with the franchise.

The 56-year-old Shanahan, a Hall of Famer as a player, had held the position since April 2014.

«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,» Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president/CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement. "… 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."

Pelley is scheduled to meet with the media on Friday.

In his own public statement, Shanahan said he was informed during a meeting Thursday of MLSE's choice not to bring him back. He thanked the board for its support during his tenure in Toronto and shared his admiration for the Leafs' remaining leadership group that he helped put in place, including general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube.

«I greatly enjoyed working with Brad and Craig, and I firmly believe they are excellent in their roles and have done a great job in their time with the team,» Shanahan said. «Also, I want to thank the players. They are committed and passionate about delivering a championship to this city and will do everything within their power to accomplish that goal. I wish them all the very best.»

The Maple Leafs, prior to Thursday's announcement, had already granted permission to the New York Islanders to