Toronto Maple Leafs: How Brendan Shanahan Landed John Tavares

This summer’s John Tavares signing by the Toronto Maple Leafs was made possible through years of intelligent behind-the-scenes management by Brendan Shanahan and staff.

The organizational strategy put in place by lead visionary Brendan Shanahan has reached gospel status among Toronto Maple Leafs fans. However, management has yet to hold a press conference spilling their secret formula for building a successful NHL franchise.

So what are the guiding principles behind Shanahan’s plan? And how did it help the franchise sign the best free agent of the past decade, John Tavares?

When Brendan Shanahan was hired as team president in April 2014 the franchise was struggling significantly. Over the…