Brendan Shanahan’s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs has officially ended. Now that his contract wasn’t renewed, many are wondering what he’ll do next. Shanahan has had an impressive journey—from being a star NHL player to working at the league office, and then spending 11 years as the Leafs’ president. He has always worked hard and shown real dedication to hockey.
Let’s take a look at three possible directions Shanahan might take in his career now that he’s stepping away from the Leafs.
1. Take a Break and Recharge
Shanahan has been working non-stop since retiring as a player in 2009. He joined the NHL’s front office just a month after hanging up his skates. Later, he took charge of player safety, and by 2014, he was leading one of the most high-pressure jobs in hockey—as president of the Maple Leafs.
After more than a decade in demanding roles, Shanahan might finally choose to take a well-earned break. This would give him time to relax, spend more time with family, and wait for the right opportunity before jumping into something new. He doesn’t need to rush into anything, and sometimes taking time off helps people return stronger and more focused.
2. Join Another NHL Team
Another option could be returning to an NHL team in a leadership role. Shanahan has experience building competitive teams, and some franchises would love to have his guidance. A few names like the Nashville Predators or Buffalo Sabres have come up as possible fits.
However, one interesting idea is Shanahan returning to the Detroit Red Wings, the team he helped lead to three Stanley Cups as a player. The Red Wings haven’t made the playoffs in nine years and could benefit from someone like Shanahan to help rebuild.
If he joins Detroit, he might even team up with Steve Yzerman again, his former teammate and the current Red Wings GM. They could form a strong front-office duo, just like what Colorado did with Joe Sakic. Shanahan has a history with Detroit, and fans there would likely welcome him back.
3. Return to the NHL Office
Before working for the Leafs, Shanahan had a respected role in the NHL’s front office. He worked closely with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and helped lead the league’s player safety department. His past work showed that he understands the league’s big picture and can handle major decisions.
If Shanahan doesn’t find the perfect team job right away, going back to the NHL office could be a great move. He’s lived in New York City for years, where the league is based, and he knows how to represent hockey at the highest level.
This path would also keep him close to the game while waiting for a better team opportunity in the future. Bettman and the league would surely welcome him back if that’s what he wants to do.
Brendan Shanahan is in a strong position. Whether he decides to rest, join another team, or return to the NHL office, he has many great options ahead. His time with the Leafs brought progress and stability to a team that needed both. Now, with his experience and love for the game, Shanahan is likely to continue making an impact—wherever he ends up next.
