Chris Johnston discusses Kyle Dubas' future in Toronto

NHL Insider Chris Johnston was on TSN OverDrive yesterday and discussed the future of Dubas. Here's what he had to say:

Johnston also believes the Leafs would be foolish to replace Dubas right before the team faces a franchise-altering decision from Auston Matthews and says that there is no reason to disrupt the relationship that Dubas has with Matthews or his agent. While he did point out that there is no direct correlation to Matthews decision and Dubas, it would certainly help the Leafs' case with Dubas remaining as GM. After all, it was Dubas who struck the last deal with Matthews, so there's a history there.

CJ mentioned that the Leafs have a handful of UFAs next off-season and there is an abundance of opportunity to turn the roster over - something Dubas has not been shy to do and something he should be given the opportunity to do even if the Leafs flounder in the playoffs again.

From my perspective, allowing Dubas to make a major change or two if it is needed next off-season is something he deserves. The Leafs have improved year after year with him as the GM and he has not been shy to change his approach and show his adaptability. Not only that, but who's to say they find a better replacement if they let him go? It's not logical to make a change for the sake of making a change. If Dubas is better than the rest of the candidates out there next summer, it would make sense for the Leafs to retain him.