It was a whirlwind of a long weekend in Canada, specifically in Toronto where the media was busy trying to wrap their heads around the Leafs letting now ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas go. Reports have flown around about people in the organization being unhappy with the decision, players being caught off guard and what the actual reason for the dismissal was.
Yesterday, TSN's Chris Johnston revealed some shocking information regarding Brendan Shanahan and the Core 4. As it turns out, Tavares, Matthews, Nylander and Marner knew it was coming.
Many believed that if Dubas returned, one of the Core 4 would be traded as Dubas said that nothing was off the table to make the team better. With Dubas gone, it was assumed that it was a forgone conclusion that one of them would be traded. However, that does not appear to be the case as Shanahan reportedly assured them they would all be returning for the Leafs come training camp.
With limited no-trade clause and no-movement clauses kicking in for William Nylander, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on July 1st, the new GM and current Leafs Assistant General Manager Brandon Pridham will have their work cut out for them over the coming weeks.
