Insider shares important update regarding Kyle Dubas and the Leafs
Just a few short days ago, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas addressed the media and revealed that his future with the team could be in doubt, citing family reasons for a potential departure. Dubas told the media during the season-ending presser that this season in specific had been a tough one on his young family and that he would need to sit down with them to discuss the best course of action for the entire family and not just for him as an individual.
The general thought process here is that Dubas simply didn't want to tip his hand and hurt any leverage he might have in negotiations for his new deal, but a new report from trusted NHL Insider Chris Johnston indicates that Dubas may actually be considering stepping away.
If Dubas does decide to walk away, it will put the Leafs in a very difficult position. The Buds have contract extensions coming due for both Auston Matthews and William Nylander on July 1st. Not only does Matthews have a no-movement clause that kicks in on July 1st, but Nylander has a modified NTC that kicks in on the same date, which will allow him to submit a 10-team no-trade list to the Leafs, which could make it slightly more difficult to move him in the event that he is identified as the core piece that management and ownership want moved. Not only that, but Mitch Marner also has a full no-movement clause kicking in on July 1st as well, which will cover him over the final 2 years of his contract.
Dubas leaving now could seriously complicate things in Toronto. There is a chance that his right hand man, Brandon Pridham, could take over if Dubas does decide to step away. If that's the case, I'm sure Pridham also has very good relationships with the players on the team, which could help when it comes time to negotiate. However, there's always the chance that the Leafs want someone with more experience at the position to help propel the Leafs beyond the 2nd round and on a much deeper run next season.
Hopefully, when Brendan Shanahan finally does meet with the media this week, we'll have some more answers. For now, we're in a bit of a holding pattern as we await more information.
| POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 123 ANSWERS Insider shares important update regarding Kyle Dubas and the Leafs If Kyle Dubas does step away, what is the best course of action for the Leafs? | ||
| Promote AGM Brandon Pridham to GM | 41 | 33.3 % |
| Hire another up-and-coming GM | 5 | 4.1 % |
| Hire a GM with a lot of experience | 77 | 62.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
