Toronto Maple Leafs: Shanahan signs six-year extension, gives update on Marner

The Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a six-year contract extension with president and alternate governor Brendan Shanahan.

Toronto Maple Leafs president and alternate governor Brendan Shanahan has signed a six-year extension, the team announced Tuesday.

"“On behalf of the MLSE Board of Directors, and certainly our company and fans as well, we are very pleased to see Brendan continue in his role as President of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum said.“Brendan’s positive impact on this team has not only been felt on the ice, where the team is on an impressive path, but throughout the league, with the Leafs alumni, and in the community. We look forward to continued success for the Maple Leafs under Brendan’s leadership over the next six years.”"

Among his first moves were the dismissal of head coach Randy Carlyle and general manager Dave Nonis. In their stead, Kyle Dubas, Mike Babcock, and Lou Lamoriello were all brought in to help steer the Leafs in the right direction.

Over that period of rebuilding a prior rebuild, the team was able to stockpile several top prospects and players who could turn into solid contributors at the NHL level. That group was, of course, headed by Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander.

Lamoriello also went out and acquired Frederik Andersen in the summer of 2016. That has arguably been the biggest acquisition to help turn the organization around.

The Maple Leafs have also done more in regards to honouring their past under Shanahan. The team opened Legends Row, which prominently displays statues of Maple Leafs greats outside the front entrance to Scotiabank Arena. The organization also officially retired 17 numbers and raised 19 new banners to the rafters during the 2016-17 campaign.

Shanahan also made it known that he was not planning on going anywhere and wanted to make the contract negotiations as simple as possible.

"“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.”"

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The goal going forward hasn’t changed for Shanahan and the Maple Leafs. The team is looking to make it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2004. They have made the playoffs in three straight seasons but have yet to accomplish the feat, most recently being bounced by the Boston Bruins in seven games this year.

Despite that, the “Shanaplan” is still very much in effect and the organization has never been stronger. The Toronto Marlies won their first Calder Cup last year and are headed into the Eastern Conference Finals against the Charlotte Checkers. That series will begin on Friday.

Additionally, the Newfoundland Growlers finished second in the Eastern Conference in the team’s inaugural season. They’re also in the Conference Finals, where they currently hold a 2-0 series lead over the Florida Everblades.

A big topic of conversation heading into the summer for the Leafs has been Mitch Marner’s contract negotiations. Shanahan said he and Dubas spoke with the Marner camp on Tuesday which is a promising sign considering there haven’t been any updates recently.

Shanahan has led a full turnaround of a team that was the laughing stock of the league prior to him taking the reigns. Under him, the right personnel have been brought in to give every team in the organization the best possible chance at success.

That will continue without a doubt over the next six years.

What do you think of the signing? What has been Shanahan’s biggest mark left on the organization? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!