Leafs not looking to bind new GM by making promises to core
I firmly believe that when the final horn sounded on the Leafs' 2022-23 season, that the team had already made the decision that a Round 1 victory was enough progress shown to warrant not relieving Kyle Dubas of his duties in Toronto. In a lot of ways, it probably was. However, I did believe, in my heart of hearts, that it was time for a shake-up involving at least one member of the Core 4.
Dubas had mentioned during his ill-advised press conference - the one Shanahan told him not to arrange - that he would consider anything that would help make the team better, insinuating that he would take calls on any player on the roster - including members of the core. Unfortunately, he was let go just 4 days later.
Leafs President Brendan Shanahan revealed to the media recently that he had personally contacted all of the Leafs' core players to inform them that he wanted to bring them all back next season, which I'm sure helped soften the blow of losing Dubas some. However, some are of the mindset that he may have already handcuffed his new GM even before they start.
Assurances made to the Core 4 that they'd be back this fall would undoubtedly make the new GM's job more challenging, as it would severely hinder their options as they'll look to come in and put their fingerprints on the team. Telling an executive to build a winning team but not to use his most valuable assets in order to try to improve the team is sort of counter-intuitive. That's why something that Sportsnet's Luke Fox said this week really resonated with me.
"Imagine the president interviewing experienced candidates, preferably ones with the clout and conviction to make bold decisions, and then telling the new GM: 'By the way, I already promised all our core players that they're staying put. Otherwise, go nuts with the fringes of the roster!'
Seems a little backward, no?" - Leafs reporter Luke Fox on Shanahan making promises to the Core 4
Seems a little backward, no?" - Leafs reporter Luke Fox on Shanahan making promises to the Core 4
The point that Fox made here was that Shanahan had already openly stated that he wanted a GM with some "bite" - someone who wasn't afraid to make tough decisions in the name of building a Stanley Cup contender. You don't seek out such an individual if you're looking for a "yes man", who will just act in the position and let the talking heads make your decisions for you.
If Shanahan truly does want a GM with some snarl, there's no way that he gave assurances to the Core 4 that they'd all be back for sure. There are some important roster decisions that need to be made, but it was Kyle Dubas who said "we can and we will" in relation to keeping the Core 4. Not Brendan Shanahan. Certainly not the team's next GM. It is for this reason that I now firmly believe that at least one of the Core 4 will likely be moved this summer. We know that Tavares has his full NMC. We know that the team will likely do whatever it takes to retain Auston Matthews. That leaves just Mitch Marner and William Nylander. I have a strong suspicion that, while most assume Nylander will be the body going out, it might actually be Marner. We'll just have to wait and see.
| POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 106 ANSWERS Leafs not looking to bind new GM by making promises to core Will the Leafs still trade a member of the Core 4 even if Shanahan has given them assurances already? | ||
| Yes, he won't handcuff a new GM | 56 | 52.8 % |
| No, if he made a promise, he'll honour it | 19 | 17.9 % |
| We saw how quick he turned on Dubas, so... | 31 | 29.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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