Leafs won't replace Shanahan, have 'utmost confidence' in Treliving, Berube

The Toronto Maple Leafs won't replace team president Brendan Shanahan, Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley announced Friday.

Pelley also confirmed that Brad Treliving will remain the club's general manager and Craig Berube will stay on as head coach.

Treliving reported to Shanahan under the previous organizational structure but will now report directly to Pelley.

"I have my utmost confidence in Brad and my utmost confidence in Craig," Pelley said. "I'm not looking to replace Brendan. I'm looking to work closer with Brad and work closer with Craig."

Pelley added that whether Treliving takes on a larger role in the organization is "something that will be determined down the road."

In the meantime, all hockey operations decisions will be left to Treliving and his staff.

"I'm not going to be deciding who we draft and what free agents we're going to sign," Pelley said. "My role is to be a sounding board. My role is to try to create a culture and chemistry within that organization that builds a culture of winning championships."

The Maple Leafs announced Thursday they won't be renewing Shanahan's contract after 11 seasons on the job.

"This was my decision," Pelley said. "I had the support of ownership."

Shanahan's departure comes in the wake of yet another disappointing playoff exit for the Maple Leafs. They've reached the playoffs nine straight seasons - the longest active streak in the league - but haven't made it beyond Round 2 since 2002. They took the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers to seven games but lost in embarrassing fashion with a 6-1 defeat on home ice.

Treliving was not present at the press conference in order to attend his daughter's graduation in Calgary. Pelley said he plans to sit down and have dinner with Treliving on Sunday. He already had dinner with Berube on Thursday.

Pelley was also asked about pending unrestricted free agents Mitch Marner and John Tavares. He reiterated that would be a question for Treliving to answer but that he's open to the idea of change.

"Further change will probably be needed to get us to the next level and yesterday was the first step in that direction," Pelley said.