Brendan Shanahan Releases Statement Following Firing from Maple Leafs

Shortly after 4PM Thursday, the Leafs announced they would not be renewing Brendan Shanahan's contract when it is set to expire on June 30th.

Following a disastrous exit from the second round that saw the Leafs fall 6-1 in Game 7 to the Florida Panthers, the writing was seemingly on the wall for the former Department of Player Safety.

That was all but confirmed on Wednesday when reports surfaced the New York Islanders were granted permission to interview the 56-year-old for their vacant President and GM roles.

Shortly after being informed his contract would not be renewed, Shanahan released a statement (which you can find below) through the media thanking the organization, players, alumni and fans for their support over his 11-year tenure while handing a vote of confidence to Brad Treliving and Craig Berube.

It was expected to be a summer full of significant changes, with Shanahan's future being the first domino to fall. As for what's next, the Leafs have five weeks to come up with a plan for the draft and free agency and how they approach the futures of Mitch Marner and John Tavares as well as extension negotiations with Matthew Knies.

As for Leafs Nation, they finally got one of the things they had been asking for and will likely get another come July 1st. For now though, they will continue to watch as the Panthers, continue their run for a second consecutive Stanley Cup and wonder 'what if'.