The New York Islanders are moving on from the potential of bringing in Brendan Shanahan to their front office.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported early Saturday morning that Shanahan was no longer in the team’s plans, and at this time, there’s no fit for Shanahan on Long Island. Shanahan was a potential candidate for the Islanders’ vacant president of hockey operations role after Lou Lamoriello’s departure, but LeBrun put the reports to bed.
“Just to close the loop on the Islanders and Brendan Shanahan, they did talk this week. But there isn’t a fit at this point. Believe it was a good conversation but there won’t be a hire there. Mathieu Darche has both GM and EVP of Hockey titles. That second title is noteworthy. It’s basically president of hockey level. Shanahan is well respected among owners, he will re-surface somewhere at some point for sure.”
Shanahan hit the open market recently after being let go by Maple Leafs. He spent 11 years as the president and alternate governor with the hockey club, and unfortunately, wasn’t able to have the playoff success he dreamed of with his hometown hockey club. Shanahan released a statement following the news the Leafs weren’t going to renew his contract, which included the Mimico native being tremendously thankful for the oppourtunity to live out a dream.
“Toronto is where I was born and raised, where my family still lives, and being a part of this historic franchise will always be one of the greatest honours of my life. I want to thank the entire Maple Leafs’ staff for their commitment and hard work over the years — they are second to none in the National Hockey League.”
While the Islanders president position is reportedly off the table at this point, don’t expect to see Shanahan out of work long. He has tremendous ties to the Detroit Red Wings organization, which could be something to keep an eye on as the offseason progresses.
