Stable Organizations Translate to Success
Another consideration in keeping Shanahan aboard is stability. Volatility within an organization does not lead to success.
The best organizations around the NHL have stability at the top. Joe Sakic is president of hockey operations for the Colorado Avalanche after serving years as the team's general manager. Pierre Lacroix held each position for years within the organization. They have won multiple Stanley Cups.
Jeffrey Vinik's ownership years of the Tampa Bay Lightning have provided a model that all teams should follow. His team is the closest to a dynasty in recent years.
Continuity in upper-level positions within the organization is a large reason for their success. Whether it be Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman Steve Griggs or the prolonged tenures of general managers Julien Brisebois, Steve Yzerman, and Jay Feaster, the Lightning promote constancy.
Both organizations have provided templates for other teams to follow.
Brendan Shanahan has played a big part in bringing respectability back to the Leafs organization. In many ways, he is responsible for constructing and developing the team's top-notch resources that many around the league desire to have.
If anything, the Leafs players and off-ice personnel are treated too well. That's a good problem to have.
That kind of reputation makes for a good working environment.
The Toronto Maple Leafs do need to make changes, but not of the wholesale variety. Patience is often rewarded, even if it's hard to envision.