Metro Division team reportedly has a ''blank check'' waiting for Kyle Dubas

With the Penguins admitting they are expanding their analytics department, rumours are growing rapidly that the Penguins are waiting and hoping Kyle Dubas becomes available. Dubas' contract with the Leafs expires June 30th, but many believe his next contract will depend on how successful the Leafs are in the playoffs this season. Should the Leafs lose the first round, Dubas could be looking for a new job as early as the end of April.

Dubas is known for a style of management that focuses a lot on the various analytics and would be an excellent fit in Pittsburgh, but just how bad do the Leafs want to screw up negotiations with Auston Matthews? Dubas is the only GM Matthews knows and there is a relationship there and the last thing the Leafs should want to do is bring in someone that has no relationship with the team or Matthews or any of the other members of the Core 4 to negotiate new contracts.

Make no mistake about it - the Leafs losing Kyle Dubas would be catastrophic. Among the options available out there, you won't find anyone who is a clear upgrade. Call me crazy, but I don't think downgrading at the GM position just before the most important contracts with the franchise are set to expire a year apart (Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares).