Leafs GM Kyle Dubas suggests that the Leafs have more moves coming
Leafs GM Kyle Dubas addressed the media on Saturday, a little over 12 hours after completing a blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Blues, sending four draft picks (2023 1st, 2024 2nd, 2023 3rd, 2025 4th), prospect Mikhail Abramov and depth F Adam Gaudette out, acquiring Stanley Cup Champion and 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Ryan O'Reilly and gritty forward Noel Acciari.
Dubas had a lot to say about the deal, stating that the Leafs had other opportunities, but chose to complete this deal for O'Reilly and Acciari because of Blues GM Doug Armstrong's willingness to take on mostly draft picks rather than subtracting from the Leafs' current prospect pool.
After moving goaltender Matt Murray to LTIR, the Leafs still have approximately $3.67M in available space to use, but if Murray is expected back before the end of the season, they'll have to be able to accommodate his $4.687M cap hit, which means that any additional deals from this point on will have to be money in, money out deals. With that in mind, Dubas was asked whether he'd still be involved in trade discussions or if he was finished with the additions of O'Reilly and Acciari. His response indicated that he could still have some tricks up his sleeve and could potentially still pursue a deal for a defenseman.
"We felt that that accomplished what we wanted to do upfront... If there's a way we can continue to improve the team we'll definitely look at it."
-Dubas on the potential of an additional trade before the March 3rd deadline
-Dubas on the potential of an additional trade before the March 3rd deadline
It would appear as though Dubas has really embraced the opportunity to go "all-in" this season. Not only has he made a huge, impactful move to address his needs up front, but the fact that he's also keeping his options open to help improve the team in another area before the deadline shows just how much he and President Brendan Shanahan believe in this team.
Unlike in years past, Dubas really spared no expense and nabbed a top deadline rental. Hopefully O'Reilly, Acciari and any other potential future additions can help to put the Leafs over the top. This long-suffering fanbase deserves to have something to cheer about late into the spring and summer.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 18 | 435 ANSWERS Leafs GM Kyle Dubas suggests that the Leafs have more moves coming Will Kyle Dubas make another high profile trade to address a need on the blueline before the deadline? | ||
| Yes | 245 | 56.3 % |
| No | 44 | 10.1 % |
| He'll acquire a D, but it won't be a big name | 146 | 33.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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