Sources have told The Post that Brendan Shanahan, who announced his retirement yesterday, may be in line for a position with the NHL.
Shanahan, 40, was released by the Devils Sept. 30 after a strong training camp, and his $1 million contract terminated without payment when he failed to report to their AHL Lowell farm team. Subsequent attempts by the then-active leading goal-scorer, 11th all-time with 656, to secure a playing position failed, resulting in yesterday’s announcement.
Shanahan initially signed with the Devils Jan. 15 and was a valuable addition to the team. He re-signed in August, only to be dropped the next month.
It is uncertain what sort of position the NHL might have in store for Shanahan, although there has been speculation it could involve working with the NHLPA toward the next collective bargaining agreement. Shanahan was a central figure in the last lockout, backing a bid for a players’ committee for input on rules and procedures. Though it was a progressive idea, some of the hard-liners in the union viewed it as a side issue the league could happily grant as a concession in successfully bargaining for a salary cap.
Shanahan was the Devils’ first-round pick, second overall, in 1987. Shanahan subsequently played for the Whalers, won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, and played two seasons with the Rangers before rejoining the Devils.