Just In: Former Rangers Star Has Being Confirmed As The Islanders New president, GM.

Nearly a month has passed since the New York Islanders informed Lou Lamoriello that his contract as president and general manager would not be renewed. The search for his replacement—or replacements—is still ongoing.

Now, with the Toronto Maple Leafs eliminated from the playoffs following a 6-1 Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers in the second round, another potential candidate has emerged: Brendan Shanahan. Currently the Leafs’ director of hockey operations, Shanahan’s name is rumored to be in consideration for a role with the Islanders.

Shanahan, who played two seasons with the Islanders’ rivals, the New York Rangers, has led Toronto’s front office since 2014 and was the executive who originally hired Lamoriello as GM in 2015. Lamoriello departed in 2018 when the Leafs wanted to transition him into an advisory role—prompting his move to Long Island.

Despite Toronto making the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons under Shanahan’s leadership, the team has advanced past the first round only twice. Their latest exit came after blowing a 2-0 series lead to the Panthers, now under coach Craig Berube and GM Craig Treliving. The Maple Leafs haven’t reached the conference finals since 2002 or the Stanley Cup Final since their 1967 championship.

Shanahan had a strong stint with the Rangers from 2006 to 2008, tallying 52 goals and 108 points in 140 games and helping the team to the playoffs both seasons. He recorded his final NHL hat trick against the Islanders in December 2006. After wrapping up his career with the New Jersey Devils in 2008-09, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.

The 56-year-old Shanahan signed a six-year contract extension with Toronto in 2019 that runs through this season. With another early playoff exit and key stars Mitchell Marner and John Tavares nearing free agency eligibility on July 1, changes in Toronto’s leadership could be imminent. While many expect Marner to test free agency, Tavares—who famously left the Islanders for the Maple Leafs in 2018—has expressed a desire to remain in Toronto.