Brendan Shanahan isn't going anywhere.
The Toronto Maple Leafs president signed a contract extension that will keep him with the organization for six more seasons, the club announced Tuesday.
Shanahan's renewal is hardly a surprise given the success the team has seen since the Hall of Famer took the reins of the organization in 2014. Since his arrival, the Leafs' on-ice fortunes have been revived. The club recorded its highest-ever single-season point total (105) in 2017-18, is currently on its first run of consecutive 100-point seasons and have made the postseason for three straight seasons.
#Leafs announce a six-year extension for Brendan Shanahan as the club’s President and Alternate Governor. Shanahan’s deal runs thru 2024-25.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) May 14, 2019
Shanahan said when he was approached about extending months ago, was an easy yes: “I’ve had no desire to leave what we’ve started here”
"One of the things we are most proud of at MLSE is our team leaders' impact on each of our team's successes and our company's culture, and Brendan is a perfect example of that," Michael Friisdahl, president and CEO of the Leafs' parent company, MLSE, said in a statement. "He brings a championship attitude to the team and the entire organization."
A native of the Toronto borough of Etobicoke, Shanahan has transitioned from a standout 22-year playing career to the front office rather seamlessly. The 50-year-old became the NHL's vice president of hockey and business development less than a month after announcing his on-ice retirement in 2009. He also spent nearly three years as the league's senior vice president, where he served as the NHL's top disciplinarian.
On April 11, 2014, Shanahan was put in charge of all operations of the Leafs and named an alternate governor.
"When MLSE approached me several months ago to discuss an extension, I told them this would be quite simple as I've had no desire to leave what we've started here with the Maple Leafs," Shanahan said. "I'm thankful to the Board of Directors, our coaches, trainers, management and office staff, and especially our players for the professionalism and dedication they display every day."
"I'd also like to thank our incredibly loyal fanbase. The trust and passion they've shown is truly inspiring and drives us to never quit until we reach our ultimate goal."