Brendan Shanahan Floated as Potential Fit for New NHL Role With Contract Set to Expire

As the days now tick by with another crushing defeat in their rear-view mirror, the Maple Leafs are going to have to make some tough decisions in terms of not only their roster, but for their entire team from top to bottom.

That's not to say Craig Berube's job is in jeopardy, neither is Brad Treliving's (though some might be calling for his head) but instead one whose job is more than likely on the line is that of Team President Brendan Shanahan.

Enacting the so-called "Shana-Plan" all things led to the same result, and the fact that for a decade the team couldn't get anything figured out is a huge concern.

His contract is set to expire soon, and with a high potential the team doesn't renew his deal, what's next?

According to one source, it might just be a team who let their President go a few weeks ago.

With the New York Islanders saying sayonara to Lou Lamoriello, the team has a gigantic opening at the top of their executive team, and with few very names who could come in, Shanahan seems like a great fit.

It synergizes with his contract expiring, and the Islanders and Maple Leafs needing to go in a different direction.

Perhaps Shanahan's version of a roster players perfectly into Patrick Roy's system, and we know how linked they are through their careers.

Plus, it gives the Maple Leafs the ability to have something they haven't had in a decade. Change.

Change is scary, change is new, but change can also be heavily rewarding. We already saw glimpses of that with Craig Berube and the defensive shift towards a grittier and harder working system, but there are obviously still holes to fill.

Toronto has spun their wheels long enough, and a new voice could be just the thing they need to push things over the top.

If Shanahan does head out of Toronto, whoever comes in is going to need to take a long look at the roster and what's been going on and make a difference. That may mean names like Max Domi, Morgan Rielly, and Calle Jarnkrok are gone, with free agents or prospects taking their place.

There's no denying how good he has been as a player; he's one of the most accomplished players in history and led the Detroit Red Wings to a ton of success.

That hasn't translated into much for the Maple Leafs, but it could end up working out in spades for the Islanders.

That is, if they are willing to risk everything for the "Shana-Plan".