Kyle Dubas discusses his future and how it will impact his deadline decisions
At the start of the season, there was lots of discussion about Kyle Dubas' future with the Leafs as Brendan Shanahan said he would not be receiving a contract extension at the time. When asked about Shanahan's comments Dubas said it would not affect how he runs the team and he would not let it be a distraction. So far this season, the chatter has been very limited since Dubas' addressed it at the beginning of the season.
Today however, Dubas was asked if there had been any discussions about a contract extension during his post-All-Star media availability. Dubas declined to comment on that question, but did say, "It's not about me and my status. It's about what's best for the team, and that's what we'll continue to look at."
Dubas also revealed on Thursday that his status as a pending UFA himself will not factor into what types of moves he makes at the deadline. In other words, he doesn't intend to jeopardize the future of the team just to make one or two big moves in hopes of saving his job. He's very much sticking to the process.
Only Dubas and Shanahan know what is happening behind closed doors, but it would be more surprising if the Leafs didn't extend him at some point before his current deal expires than if they did extend him. The team has gotten better year over year under Dubas, and while some people hate the fact he doesn't typically swing for the fences at the trade deadline, he, like 16 other GMs around the league are very limited on cap space and can only do so much while planning for extensions for Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander.
We will likely know very quickly at the end of the Leafs' playoff run if Dubas will be back next season or not as the Leafs' GM. A lengthy run likely means an extension, while another early exit likely spells the end of his tenure as GM in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 9 | 247 ANSWERS Kyle Dubas discusses his future and how it will impact his deadline decisions Will Dubas be back as Leafs GM next season? | ||
| Yes | 149 | 60.3 % |
| No | 62 | 25.1 % |
| I'd be shocked if an extension isn't signed soon | 36 | 14.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
