Where Could Shane Doan Work Next After Reportedly Parting With Maple Leafs?
The Toronto Maple Leafs parted with Shane Doan during their transitional phase, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
Doan had worked as a special assistant to now-former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving since 2023, assisting on "all day-to-day matters of hockey operations," but LeBrun indicates Doan's contract was due to expire June 30.
As GM John Chayka and the Leafs' senior executive advisor of hockey operations, Mats Sundin, settle into their new roles, Doan will likely search for a fresh start elsewhere.
Report: Shane Doan And Maple Leafs Part Ways As Management Continues To Take Shape
With teams interested in Doan and the history between the former and Coyotes star and Chayka, this was inevitable.
2. Nashville Predators
The Predators have searched for a new GM for months, with Barry Trotz seeking a successor.
While Doan hasn't been frequently linked to the Nashville job, the search committee the Preds have hired to find their next GM could, very quietly, pursue Doan now that he's out of a job with the Leafs.
The Predators are essentially a retooling squad that's been in the mushy middle over the past couple of years, something Doan is familiar with from his Coyotes days.
In his role with Toronto, Doan spoke to players, worked on some skills with individuals, went on scouting trips and connected with Leafs staff throughout the organization, according to The Athletic.
Doan could likely relate to these Predators players, whether it's youngsters Luke Evangelista and Matthew Wood or veterans Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei, and help the team compete in a difficult Central Division.
Nashville had David Poile serve as GM for 25 years, and Trotz was a former coach who took Poile's place as GM. The Predators seem to have enough patience to allow a young executive, such as Doan, to come in as GM and implement their vision over the long term.
As we've seen in Toronto, sometimes teams are tempted to hire a player from their past to chart a course to success. That's obviously the case with Sundin and the Maple Leafs. However, Doan could set up shop in a new market for himself and take the Preds to a level that's eluded them at this point in their history.
Possible Reasons Why Nashville Predators General Manager Search Is Taking So Long
With top targets still chasing the Stanley Cup and a self-imposed draft deadline looming, Nashville's patient front office remains deadlocked while rivals rapidly solidify their leadership.
3. Los Angeles Kings
Current Kings GM Ken Holland will turn 71 this year, and if Doan joined Los Angeles as an assistant GM or advisor to the GM, he could position himself to take over for Holland whenever he chooses to retire.
The Kings just barely made it in the playoffs this year but lost in the first round for the fifth straight year. That said, they upgraded up front by acquiring and re-signing Artemi Panarin, and they will likely try to finally get at least one step further in next year's playoffs.
Doan can be a sounding board for players, such as Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, Alex Laferriere and Trevor Moore, as they try to take the next step as players and help the team improve overall without having to make too many additions in free agency.
Doan has been paying his dues as a management member, but he needs to be strategic when it comes to his next job. If there's not a GM position that's a perfect fit, he can still find work using his experience to his advantage over other candidates.
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 2:18 PM.