With new MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley set to join Brendan Shanahan and Brad Treliving for the annual post-mortem press conference on Friday, conventional wisdom suggests that Shanahan’s job could be safe.
If that’s the case, the Maple Leafs would be making the wrong decision.
It’s been a decade. Enough said.
In 10 years under Shanahan’s watch, the Leafs have won one series. ONE.
Seriously, in what result-oriented business is that acceptable?
The SHANAPLAN has been a colossal failure.
Firstly, it’s important to stress that under his current title of president and alternate governor, the job’s not all about what happens on the ice. That said, Shanahan does have full autonomy over those making the marquee decisions when it comes to the roster, so he’s certainly not devoid of the blame-game. Furthermore, he’s been there to sign off on all the poorly negotiated contract extensions and he’s certainly been there to put the final stamp on some of the personnel decisions. On top of all that, he’s arguably been the biggest supporter and backer of the Core Four, which clearly, to this point, have failed miserably in their quest to bring Lord Stanley back to Toronto. They’ve been nowhere close.
Clearly, for a variety of reasons, Shanahan should be front and centre on the chopping block.
Meantime, accountability has been something that’s been missing in this organization for quite some time now. It starts from the top, however. If the person overseeing everything isn’t held accountable for their shortcomings, why should anyone else below them be?
Having said all that, the decision to bring back Shanahan – after yet another first round exit – shouldn’t surprise anyone in the slightest. After all, the organization has been tone-deaf for years.
Remember that terrible Hall & Oates goal song? Shanahan’s choice.
In general, the in-house entertainment at Scotiabank Arena, which again falls under Shanahan, is widely regarded as one of the worst in the NHL. Compared to other barns in the league, that place blows to watch a game. Yes, the suits control the lower bowl, but indisputably, revamping the crowd experience could go a long way in adding some life into that building. Instead, let’s just keep raising those ticket prices.
Any way you slice it, this organization is in dire need of new leadership. This isn’t working, and it hasn’t worked. It’s time to go in a new direction.
