Leafs Put an End to Long-Standing Brendan Shanahan Rule At Rookie Showcase

Shortly after a dismal second round exit to the Florida Panthers, the Maple Leafs parted ways with long-time President of Hockey Operations Brendan Shanahan. It came as no surprise, given that the team was only able to collect two series wins in nine years under the former head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety.

In moving on from Shanahan, the Leafs officially began a new era led by new MLSE CEO Keith Pelley and Leafs GM Brad Treliving, who were quick to end a Shanahan-Dubas era rookie rule.

During their time as President and GM of the Maple Leafs, Shanahan and Dubas introduced a silly rule for rookie tournaments, only allowing the team to wear practice jerseys. It was reportedly introduced to ensure that all prospects understood they had to earn the right to wear the traditional Maple Leafs jersey.

At the time, the move was met with confusion, and had many saying it looked unprofessional.

With both now out of the organization, the Leafs quietly made the switch back to their regular jerseys, unveiling it during warm-ups at Saturday's game against the Senators.

It's unclear what led to the switch, but given that the Leafs have been attempting to create a new culture under Brad Treliving where the team is more than just the "Core Four" and everybody else, it would make sense that the move was done so that those participating in the tournament feel like a true part of the organization.

Without Shanahan, Treliving has continued to make changes to the operations of the organization with the help of Keith Pelley, which includes allowing players to be more available for less traditional media appearances. The jersey change is just another example of helping everyone feel more at home in the new environment.