Brendan Shanahan’s New Role
Brendan Shanahan, who previously served as the president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has embarked on a new chapter in his professional journey. At 56 years of age, he has been appointed by Hockey Canada to spearhead an evaluation of men’s junior hockey within the province of Ontario. This initiative aims to enhance both the skill sets and personal development of young hockey players, ensuring that the junior hockey framework emphasizes athlete-centric and growth-oriented principles.
Responsibilities and Goals
As part of his responsibilities, Shanahan will compile his insights to present to a committee comprised of notable figures in Canadian hockey, including:
- Craig Halpenny, the president of Hockey Eastern Ontario
- Dean Filane of Hockey Northwestern Ontario
- Jeffrey Turner, chair of the Ontario Hockey Federation
- Jonathan Goldbloom
- Additional members from Hockey Canada
He will also create two key documents:
- An initial paper outlining a consultative framework with stakeholders
- A comprehensive report featuring his recommendations, slated for completion by 2026
Shanahan’s Statement
“Playing hockey for Team Canada was one of the greatest honours of my career, so to work on this project…in my home province is an opportunity that I am very grateful for.”
He underscored his eagerness to engage with members of the junior hockey community to gather their insights and visions for enhancing the sport.
Previous Experience
Before this new role, Shanahan held the presidency of hockey operations for the Maple Leafs from 2014 until the end of the 2024-25 season, during which he played a significant role in revitalizing the team’s competitiveness by leading them to the playoffs in the majority of his tenure. He also worked to strengthen the team’s bond with its alumni, helping establish all honored numbers as retired ones and initiating the Legends Row tribute.
In the summer following his departure from Toronto, Shanahan reportedly accepted a position in the NHL’s hockey operations department, marking a return to the league after his previous tenure as a senior vice president of player safety. Despite never having played for the Maple Leafs, Shanahan is distinguished in hockey circles and boasts an impressive career record, including:
- Three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings
- Membership in the IIHF Triple Gold Club
- A notable total of 1,354 points across 1,524 games in the NHL with several teams, including the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers
