Dubas indicates that we could see a trade in Toronto sooner than later
Kyle Dubas held a mid-season availability for media members today. One of the most important quotes from that availability pertained to what his preference would be for the upcoming trade deadline.
We've covered Leafs deadline targets extensively on this site, but what Dubas said today has raised the level of intrigue exponentially. While we've been looking at rental options for the Leafs who are on expiring deals like Josh Manson, Filip Forsberg or Mark Giordano, Dubas revealed today that his aim is to move early, and bring in players with «the most term possible.»
This points towards players like Jacob Chychrun, a left-handed defender playing the right side on a fantastic value deal that runs through the 2024-2025 season. This approach means that the Leafs aren't betting the farm on this season, but rather looking to improve for this season and beyond. Perhaps this also means that Dubas believes that the Leafs already have what they need to challenge for a Stanley Cup.
Dubas also said that he is not exactly sure which direction his team will go in in terms of whether or not they will address the offense or the defense with their early deadline move(s). He said that since his team has not yet been at 100% health this season, they have not been able to get a good feel of what an optimal line looks like.
I like this approach. As we saw last year, throwing away a first round pick for a pending UFA doesn't always work out. We don't need another Foligno trade backfiring on us. I'd much rather see Dubas pull off the sort of deal that brought us Jake Muzzin or Jack Campbell. It will be more difficult this season with the Leafs being up against the cap, so money in likely means money out. If Dubas pulls off the type of deal he described today, be ready to say goodbye to at least one of Nick Ritchie, Alexander Kerfoot, Travis Dermott or Ilya Mikheyev.
