Shanahan joins Leafs as club president

Apr 11, 2014 - 3:28 PM Toronto, ON (SportsNetwork.com) - The Toronto Maple Leafs have turned over the reins of the organization to Brendan Shanahan, naming the Hall of Famer as the club's president.

Shanahan had been serving as the NHL's disciplinarian, directing the league's department of player safety since June 1, 2011. He is taking over his new role immediately.

The 45-year-old Ontario native was an eight-time All-Star during his storied playing career with the New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers.

Shanahan was a member of three Stanley Cup championship teams in Detroit, scored 656 goals and finished his career with 1,354 points in 1,524 games. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

After his playing career ended, Shanahan joined the league's front office in 2009 as vice president of hockey and business development before moving into his role as chief of supplementary discipline.

The Maple Leafs were eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week, failing to qualify for the postseason for the eighth time in the past nine seasons.

Leafs general manager Dave Nonis will report to Shanahan, who will also serve as the team's alternate governor and is expected to represent the franchise at league meetings.