Former Red Wings legend Brendan Shanahan takes on surprising new role in the NHL

Brendan Shanahan is a legend in Hockeytown, winning three Stanley Cups here during the late 90s and 00s.

After his playing career ended, he found other work in the NHL, most recently as President and Alternate Governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Until his recent firing.

The Maple Leafs have forged a new path without Shanahan and Kyle Dubas, as he's found a new role in hockey.

This time in the NHL's Hockey Operations department.

Does this mean he'll be working alongside Gary Bettman?

As someone who has won the Stanley Cup three times in his career, you'd think it'd be possible for him to construct a winning roster. Apparently not.

Despite that, his tenure in Detroit was a decade's worth of gritty and exciting hockey that included the Russian Five during his stay.

Shanahan played 1500+ games during his career, and suited up for the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.

He'll have a well of knowledge to rely upon in his new role with the NHL from his decades in multiple roles as player and executive to draw upon.

He failed to find a new job with the New York Islanders, who expressed interest in the legend, but instead, after over a decade of experience in the Maple Leafs front office, he will call the NHL headquarters home.