Dubas' indecision has already cost him his job in Toronto; now, it may also cost him a second GM job
It's been a crazy week in Toronto and certainly for now ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas, since being dismissed by the Buds last Friday. We all know the story, we all watched Shanahan's presser, so I don't think we need to get into the details yet again. The one interesting note in all of this was Dubas' comments last Monday regarding not wanting to work for any other team. Dubas seemed adamant that it was Toronto or bust, so it's wild to see him turn around so quickly and perhaps being on the cusp of signing a deal to become the next GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This week, Dubas had been spotted in Pittsburgh, where he met with a number of Pens executives and even the team's captain Sidney Crosby. There seems to be a mutual interest in getting this done from the Pens' side of things, but there seems to be a bit of a delay here on Dubas' end.
During the most recent edition of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek mentioned that the delay in Dubas' decision could hinge on what the Ottawa Senators' situation might be in relation to the sale and a potential opening there. As we know, Dubas grew up a Sens fan and could have an enormous interest in joining the Senators organization. However, the question remains; how long is Pittsburgh willing to wait before they, like Brendan Shanahan, have a change of heart and move on to the next candidate?
Is Kyle Dubas going to risk shooting himself in the foot twice in the same summer? His indecision and hesitance to sign on the dotted line, along with his late contract demand changes were instrumental in Brendan Shanahan and MLSE agreeing that it was time to move on from Dubas. Will Dubas' curiosity surrounding the Sens job also cost him the job in Pittsburgh? Well, thanks to Elliotte Friedman, we have an answer of sorts. Per Friedman, the Penguins are willing to wait a few days while Dubas considers his options.
If Dubas really is waiting on a potential opportunity in Ottawa, he will certainly have to be prepared for the chance that Pittsburgh shuts the door in his face. His indecision on whether or not he wanted to return in Toronto is among the reasons Shanahan had experienced a change of heart and saw his belief in Dubas weaken. It would really be something if the Pens experienced a similar change of heart and it would be even more wild if Dubas was let go in Toronto, missed the opportunity in Pittsburgh and then fails to land a job in Ottawa as well. It's certainly possible, and Dubas would have only himself to blame for watching some excellent opportunities pass him by.
