As the Toronto Maple Leafs concluded their locker cleanouts on Tuesday, their PR staff said they’d be in touch regarding future media availabilities.
There was no mention of who might speak, whether it’s Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan, GM Brad Treliving, or Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment President and CEO Keith Pelley. Shanahan is reportedly in the final year of his contract after joining the organization to begin a full rebuild in April 2014.
After another difficult playoff exit, losing 6-1 in Game 7 to the Florida Panthers, Shanahan’s return remains in question.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, the MLSE board will meet on Thursday for a full season review. It’s unknown whether anything, such as firings or other changes, will come from the meeting.
It’s Shanahan’s 11th season at the helm of the Maple Leafs. His tenure has featured plenty of positives, including the additions of Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander through the draft, and John Tavares through free agency.
‘I Haven’t Processed Anything Yet’: Does Mitch Marner Want To Return To The Maple Leafs Next Season?As soon as the final horn sounded after the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of their second-round series, Mitch Marner was the very last player to leave the ice. He looked like a player who may have played his last game with the club.
For the first time since 2004, the Maple Leafs reached beyond the first round, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023 (and the Ottawa Senators this year). However, after that series — and their latest playoffs — Toronto was bounced out of the postseason in the second round by the Panthers.
This year, though, was the most difficult yet, with the Maple Leafs being outscored 12-2 in their final two home games (Games 5 and 7) of the playoffs. “The way that series ended has left ownership disappointed and embarrassed, according to sources,” Johnston wrote.
‘It Hurts Right Now’: Craig Berube Urges Maple Leafs to Remember Playoff Disappointment, Pins Game 7 Loss on StructureCraig Berube didn’t mince any words about why he felt his team struggled in Game 7 and other points in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ second-round playoff loss to the Florida Panthers.
The NHL insider added that the New York Islanders “have expressed interest in speaking to [Shanahan] about their top hockey job.” Lou Lamoriello, who held top management positions with the Islanders for seven seasons, announced in April that New York wouldn’t renew his contract.
Further, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Islanders have asked permission to speak with Shanahan, however, there’s no word on MLSE’s response. Sportsnet confirmed shortly after that the Maple Leafs permitted the Islanders to speak with Shanahan.
Johnston previously reported that changes within the Maple Leafs might go beyond Shanahan, but wrote on Wednesday: “While Shanahan’s future with the club is still being determined, there is a positive internal view on the job Treliving has done in his first two years as GM. He’s under contract beyond this season.”
In Treliving’s two seasons as GM, he’s reshaped Toronto’s defense corps, adding Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson this past summer, Simon Benoit two summers ago, and Brandon Carlo, who has two more years on his contract, at the 2024 trade deadline.
‘That’s Not What I’m Thinking About’: Morgan Rielly Downplays Possibility Of Moving On From Maple Leafs Amidst Uncertain OffseasonFacing questions about his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the team’s end-of-season media availability on Tuesday, the team’s longest-tenured player, Morgan Rielly, made it clear that he’s not thinking about leaving.
With Shanahan at the helm of the entire Maple Leafs project, the organization has two playoff series wins through nine seasons.
“I think our team made a lot of great strides this year. Did a lot of things, accomplished a lot of things. I really enjoyed working with this group,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said on Tuesday.
“We all look at Game 7 and nobody’s happy. That’s understandable. But, we did a lot of things here that I’m very proud of them.”
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