NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs - Press Conference - Source: Imagn — Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan talked about NHL DoPS and more (Credits: IMAGN)

Brendan Shanahan makes his feelings known on treatment of Toronto Maple Leafs by Department of Player Safety

Modified Dec 10, 2024 11:03 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan on Monday shared his thoughts on the team's treatment by the Department of Player Safety. In November, Leafs forward Ryan Reaves was handed a five-game suspension for an illegal check to the head on Edmonton's Darnell Nurse.

This was not the first instance, as Oliver Ekman-Larsson was fined $5,000 in October for interference on Tampa Bay’s Jake Guentzel. Shanahan acknowledged that suspensions are always frustrating, but he expressed respect for George Parros, head of the Department of Player Safety.

"Well, I think we all get mad when our guy gets suspended, right? Even me—we all do. But having done the job and knowing the integrity that George Parros has, his integrity is not something you’d ever want to question," Shanahan said, per Leafs Latest on X.

Shanahan, who has experience in the role, emphasized that he and Parros often have discussions about league decisions, including the thought processes behind them.

"That said, I do think, from time to time, especially because I’ve done the job myself, he and I like to talk about various things going on around the league, including decisions and the thought processes behind them." Shanahan said. "Those conversations are always better when you wait a few days or weeks to calm down—when both of you are in a better mindset."

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While Shanahan advocates for what's best for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he understands that Parros's role is to ensure fairness for the entire league.

Toronto Maple Leafs president talked about Mitch Marner's contract and Auston Matthews

Brendan Shanahan spoke with TSN’s Gino Reda at the Board of Governors' meeting about the Toronto Maple Leafs's contract situation with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews' injury. He praised Mitch Marner’s play but avoided discussing his expiring contract.

"Any time you have a guy who is that creative offensively and also not just one of your team’s best defensive players but one of the league’s best defensive players…" Shanahan said, (per mapleleafshotstove.com), "... we are just happy with the way he is playing. I will leave it at that."

Marner has scored 10 goals and 28 assists this season, currently tied for the fifth spot with 38 points.

On Auston Matthews, Shanahan assured fans the team prioritizes health and privacy.

"As far as Auston goes, whether it is him or anybody on our team, we are always going to do everything..." Shanahan said, "We are glad that he is back."

Shanahan discussed the Toronto Maple Leafs’ improved defensive play and credited coach Craig Berube and the players. The Leafs are currently 16-9-2 and placed No. 2 in Atlantic Division standings with 34 points.