For some Leafs fans, the hiring of GM Kyle Dubas and the team's failure to get out of the first round has rubbed them the wrong way. Those fans Have wished from the beginning that Shanahan chose to keep Lou Lamoriello as GM over Dubas.
For a little refresher, let's remind you of some of Lou's moves that did and didn't happen. He had 10 months to sign Nylander and didn't use it, offered Tavares more money than the Leafs to have him remain in Long Island, swung big and missed, and traded Devon Toews for two second round picks instead of extending him. Let's also not forget Lamoriello has handed out lengthy extensions to guys like Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck for much more than what fourth line players should be paid.
Dubas, on the other hand, built this version of the Leafs, who just played a record setting season, signing players like David Kampf and Michael Bunting for below market value and trading for Mark Giordano - players that have become big contributors for the Leafs.
Lamoriello is an old-school GM that lives and dies by his choices. The issue is that when he is wrong about something, he doesn't admit it and just sees things through regardless. Dubas however, admits he makes a mistake when he corrects himself, such as trading Nick Ritchie to Arizona last season or dealing Petr Mrazek at the draft a couple weeks ago.
