Maple Leafs Part Ways with Front Office Executive

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs Part Ways with Front Office Executive

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Smith | Last updated May 11, 2026 12:58 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been a staple in the Stanley Cup Playoffs over the past decade, but following the departure of Mitch Marner, the team struggled mightily in 2025-26.

With the organization missing the post-season for the first time since 2015-16, the changes came in a big way early in the off-season, as the team officially parted ways with general manager Brad Treliving. That came after three seasons at the helm of the organization, but after struggling to help them take the next step, that was the obvious move, but it isn't the only change we've seen in the Maple Leafs front office.

Arizona Coyotes Chief Hockey Development Officer Shane Doan looks on during the seventh inning of the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field.Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Back in 2023, the Maple Leafs hired former Arizona Coyotes superstar Shane Doan to a role as Special Advisor to the General Manager, and given his experience both on and off the ice, it was expected to be a move that helped the team reach their Stanley Cup goals.

However, the organization moved in a different direction in recent times with the hiring of John Chayka to the general manager position, and now, TSN's Pierre Lebrun has reported that Doan will also be departing the organization, effective immediately.

Shane Doan and the Leafs have parted ways. His deal was expiring June 30. Sounds like a mutual decision. Doan was brought in by former Leafs GM Brad Treliving. Doan recently interviewed in Vancouver. We’ll see where Doan ends up but he’s now a free agent.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 11, 2026

According to LeBrun, Doan's contract with the Maple Leafs was up on June 30th anyway, so there was a chance he was going to depart regardless, but with chatter about a potential connection to Vancouver, it made sense to get things over and done with now.

With Chayka taking over in Toronto, he needs to make his mark on the Maple Leafs organization, and while Doan could have been a major help for that, with potential opportunities elsewhere, this latest news is best for everyone involved.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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