The Toronto Maple Leafs and Shane Doan are going their separate ways, and NHL fans had plenty to say once the news became public.
Doan joined Toronto in 2023 as a special advisor to former general manager Brad Treliving, who was dismissed earlier this year. Before joining Toronto Doan spent two seasons with the Arizona Coyotes as chief hockey development officer.
According to Pierre LeBrun, Doan’s contract with the Maple Leafs will expire on June 30 and will not be renewed. LeBrun described the decision as mutual in a post shared on X.
“Shane Doan and the Leafs have parted ways. His deal was expiring June 30. Sounds like a mutual decision,” LeBrun wrote.
Fans reacted quickly after Pierre LeBrun shared the update on X with NHL Rumour Report commenting
“No surprise given his history with John Chayka. I’m sure there will be more Treliving hires out the door soon.”
Another user blamed Doan for the Maple Leafs bringing back Max Domi.
“good… he’s the reason we gotta deal with max domi,” the comment read.
One user joked:
“Shane Doan would’ve had a physical altercation with John Chayka at the draft if he stayed.”
Others felt that leaving Toronto could ultimately benefit Doan.
“Great to see a good hockey guy like Doan realize what a shit show the Leafs are getting out FAST!” one comment read.
Another user suggested Doan could eventually join the Calgary Flames in a front-office role.
“Would like to see Conroy bring him in. Give him an advisor role similar to what Jarome is currently doing.”
Shane Doan’s exit comes during major changes for the Maple Leafs
Shane Doan’s departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs also comes during a major reshuffle within the organization following the team’s disappointing 2025-26 season.
Toronto missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade after finishing with a 32-36-14 record and a minus-46 goal differential. The team also ended the season on a seven-game losing streak.
The disappointing finish led to the departure of former general manager Brad Treliving who had originally brought Doan into the organization. Toronto has since appointed John Chayka as the club’s new general manager.
Before joining the Maple Leafs’ front office Doan played 21 NHL seasons with the Winnipeg Jets and Arizona Coyotes franchises.
He finished his career with 402 goals and 570 assists across 1,540 NHL games. Doan also represented Canada internationally including at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Edited by Sonali Verma
