MLSE ouster could spell the end of Brendan Shanahan with the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Austin Kelly
July 11, 2024 (7:22 PM)

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A recent move could potentially be the end of Brendan Shanahan's tenure in charge of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs & other Toronto sports franchises, announced that they had mutually parted ways with Bill Manning, president of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC of Major League Soccer.

Manning, a veteran sports executive, has been with Toronto FC since 2015 and the Argonauts since 2018. Manning's departure comes with recent difficulties in Toronto FC, the club in last place in MLS last season with reported locker room chemistry a struggle with high-priced import players Lorenzo Insigne & Federico Bernardeschi.

The Argonauts have had successes in recent years, winning the CFL's Grey Cup in 2022, and a 16-2 record last season, although Manning was more active on the soccer side with his background in the sport.

In a statement, MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley thanked Manning, but said a "new direction" was needed within the organization.

"Bill will always be an important part of the championship history for both clubs, but as we evaluate the path ahead, and measure against our ambition to consistently deliver contending teams, it was determined that a new direction was required. Bill is a very accomplished team executive, and a good man, and we wish him and his family the very best in the future."

The move puts into question the future of Leafs President Brendan Shanahan. Having been with the Leafs since 2014, Shanahan's contract ends in 2025. With GM Kyle Dubas and Head Coach Sheldon Keefe having already been let go by Toronto after struggling to reach the second round of the NHL playoffs.

Pelley did not mention the Leafs, or the Toronto Raptors, in his statement. Neither Shanahan or Raptors President Masai Ujiri were commented on.