Report: Leafs allow Islanders to speak with Shanahan 2a603y
The Toronto Maple Leafs have granted the New York Islanders permission to speak with president of hockey operations Brendan Shanahan about a position in their front office, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. 1t6bz
New York is in the market for a president and general manager after the organization opted not to renew Lou Lamoriello's contract.
Shanahan has been the Maple Leafs' president for 11 years and is on an expiring contract. His future with the club is expected to be discussed during a meeting among Toronto's board of directors Thursday, The Athletic's Chris Johnston reports.
Ownership is reportedly disappointed with the way the Maple Leafs bowed out of the playoffs. Toronto reached Game 7 of the second round - the farthest the franchise has gone since 2004 - but was dominated 6-1 on home ice by the Florida Panthers in the winner-take-all clash.
Progress for the team this season was determined by ownership to be a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, which Toronto hasn't reached since 2002.
The Maple Leafs have made the playoffs nine seasons in a row, led by the core which the club drafted with Shanahan in charge.
Toronto is likely to operate without a president if Shanahan doesn't return, sources told Johnston.
The Maple Leafs could undergo significant changes this offseason. Along with Shanahan potentially leaving, star forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares are unrestricted free agents.
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