Shanahan speaks for the first time since the Maple Leafs playoffs collapse
"We're happy that (big four) were locked up. We believe in those players. We feel we're fortunate to have them," Shanahan told the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons on Friday. "I've watched the development of the players, Mitch killing penalties, Auston's two-way game. It's not just those four guys. I've seen our team do a lot of things that historically winning teams need to do.»
"What we can't do is get frustrated now. We can't discard the plan. We can't go on our own as individuals. We have to continue on this course, and I think the players are absolutely driven to get this done here in Toronto."