Report: Maple Leafs interested in role for Brendan Shanahan

Brendan Shanahan (left) recently played against Toronto in the Winter Classic alumni game. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) The Toronto Maple Leafs are interested

Brendan Shanahan (left) recently played against Toronto in the Winter Classic alumni game. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in hiring longtime NHL winger and 2013 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Brendan Shanahan to an undisclosed role with the club, according to a tweet from Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.

The Leafs were eliminated from playoff contention after a 3-0 loss to the Lightning on Tuesday. Toronto has lost 11 of its last 14 games, a stretch that included an eight-game losing streak. Now the franchise is reportedly considering bringing in Shanahan, who won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, to help reinvigorate the club.

Shanahan played 21 years in the league, including nine in Detroit. During his time in Hockeytown, the Red Wings emerged as a dynasty, winning three Stanley Cups and reaching the playoffs every year. Shanahan scored 656 goals and recorded 1,354 points in the NHL, good for 13th and 25th all-time, respectively.

Detroit, which has made the playoffs every year since 1990, can clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday. Toronto's recent struggles have paved the way for the Red Wings -- who have won five of their last six games -- to climb their way back into contention.

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