As we await comment from the ex-GM, one NHL Insider, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, has been doing some digging and has discovered what one of Dubas' key asks were from Shanahan and MLSE as he looked to make some tweaks to their contract at the 11th hour, on Thursday - less than 24 hours before he was let go. Per Friedman, the sticking point for Dubas had nothing to do with money.
On the most recent 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman mentioned that Dubas was looking for the authority to make quicker decisions, without requiring several levels of approval before he was able to proceed. Dubas felt that there was an incredible amount of time being wasted between negotiating a trade or a contract signing and had concerns that it was costing the Leafs opportunities that could improve the team. He was also worried that with the tight time constraints that he would need to work with this summer, having more autonomy could help him do his job more effectively.
If true, this could prove to be a massive mistake for Brendan Shanahan and the Leafs. Imagine trusting a guy to do a job the right way for 9 years - 5 of which as the GM - and learning what he is all about as a person and a manager. Imagine acknowledging those things, believing in him and committing to him by sending him a contract offer (believed to be another 5-year term). Then imagine firing that person because he wants to do his job better and even more efficiently... well, that appears to be what happened between the Leafs and Kyle Dubas. If this is true, it's a damn shame, really.
POLL | ||
22 MAI | 1688 ANSWERS Insider drops a bombshell regarding Kyle Dubas' dismissal; Shanahan and MLSE may have really messed up Knowing what we know now, was it a mistake for the Leafs to part ways with Kyle Dubas?? | ||
Yes | 887 | 52.5 % |
No | 596 | 35.3 % |
Only if they don't improve this summer | 205 | 12.1 % |
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