In December 2009, Shanahan accepted an offer from the NHL to become the NHL's vice president of hockey and business development. "In a broad sense, I think obviously, I am going to be another voice in the hockey ops, but at the same time people like COO John Collins and EVP Communications Gary and [NHL Deputy Commissioner ] are going to allow me and teach me the business of hockey," Shanahan told NHL.com. "What I was excited about in their offer to bring me on board is that it was wide open for me. There was not going to be any room with a closed door and I would be given an opportunity to see and learn. As time goes by there will be some days where my role is more hockey specific and some days where my role is more business or marketing specific."