The NHL still has yet to name a new Vice President of Player Safety after Brendan Shanahan left the post to become President of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now it appears the league is about ready to change that. Former Leafs front office member Claude Loiselle is reportedly set to be named the league’s new Wielder of the Shanaban after having been relieved of his duties in Toronto following the hiring of 28-year-old Kyle Dubas.
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Larry Brooks of the New York Post writes that a well-connected source said it’s all but done that Loiselle will take up the unenviable position as the Most Hated Man in Hockey.
"Claude Loiselle, recently dismissed as Toronto assistant GM by one-time Devils teammate and now Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, is expected to be named Shanahan’s successor as VP of the NHL Department of Player Safety, we’re told by a well-placed source."
As VP of Player Safety, Brendan Shanahan was charged with doling out suspensions for illegal plays, then explaining them in-depth via a video process that brought to light just how uncharismatic Shanahan could be when he put his mind to the task. No matter what his decision was or his explanation though, Shanahan could hardly win, much like his predecessor, Colin Campbell.
Now it’s Loiselle’s turn to pick up the whip and hand it to the people. He’ll likely continue the work and standards established by Shanahan, but it will be interesting to note what kind of sentence is handed down when that first player makes a dangerous hit. From there, we’ll see just what kind of discipline will fly in the NHL.