Without fully understanding what Brendan Shanahan did on a daily basis, it seems very likely that not having someone in his role this season has been a hindrance to the Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs parted ways with Shanahan on May 23rd, and this isn’t about making a case that was the wrong decision but Keith Pelley’s decision to keep the position vacant was.

Moving on from Mitch Marner and how to replace him was something a major decision that Brad Treliving could have used a sounding board on. Not having someone to justify why Dakota Joshua, Matias Maccelli, and Nicolas Roy were all going to have rebound seasons might be part of the reason why the Leafs are in this current predicament.

Not having a vision set that Brad Treliving must adhere to has resulted in some short sighted decisions and given that Brad Treliving has gone from very hands on bosses in Calgary like Brian Burke and Murray Edwards to a new CEO who is trying to learn the ropes of a new organization that includes three other franchises and an overall entertainment brand that needs managing, Brad Treliving has been on his own and limited by the time and knowledge that Keith Pelley can bring to the table.

For the 2025-26 season, the Maple Leafs are likely making due with what they have and whether it is Treliving or someone else, that GM is likely flying solo when it comes to what comes next. The determent there is that the Leafs are less likely to be in on moves that would require a commitment on the direction of the franchise beyond this season.

By the summer, a POHO seems like an absolute, even if it is POHO/GM dual role, the statement that the incumbent of the role has been identified as someone by MLSE they feel is capable of setting the direction and executing on it is somewhat better than a GM reporting directly to the CEO. (Don’t get me wrong, having two separate executives seems like the best call.)

Veterans of the NHL like David Poile, Doug Wilson, Dean Lombardi, etc. are all examples of experienced Hockey Executives that have something they could bring to that role, as are potentially some GMs that had a vision but decidedly less success in the execution of their role (Kevyn Adams, Joe Nieuwendyk, Ron Francis, etc.) The Maple Leafs aren’t short on options, and the deep pockets of MLSE, the prestige of the Maple Leafs brand, and the opportunity to have Auston Matthews as a franchise cornerstone should attract the best of the best to the opportunity.

If MLSE hasn’t already begun a search for Shanahan’s replacement, it should be the priority. It is likely that by the end of the season they will want someone in place as they potentially will already have some big decisions to not only make on the roster but the Hockey Operations department. Committing to a management and coaching staff prior to the hiring a President seems like it would handcuff them on what should be the most impact part of their role and the Maple Leafs need to do things right and fast.