Kyle Dubas repeating past mistakes, signs ex-Leafs defenseman

Since being relieved of his duties in Toronto last summer, Dubas brought in Jason Spezza as his assistant GM, signed former Leaf Noel Acciari and acquired Michael Bunting from the Carolina Hurricanes, a player Dubas has familiarity with from his days in Toronto as well as in junior with the Soo Greyhounds.

Dubas has revisited his past again, this time bringing in former Leafs defenseman Filip Kral on a one-year deal with the Penguins, carrying a $775k cap hit at the NHL level.

Kral was part of Dubas' first Toronto draft class following his hire as GM in 2018. Kral was taken 149th overall by Dubas in that summer's draft.

Kral would spend parts of three seasons with the Toronto organization. He made his NHL debut on Oct. 9, 2022, playing two NHL games.

The 24-year old Kral played last season with the Lahti Pelicans of the Finnish Elite League (SM-liiga). He scored five goals, 32 assists, and 37 points in 46 games, leading Pelicans defensemen in assists and points, winning the Matti Keinonen Trophy. Kral also led the league with a plus-28 rating.

During his time in Toronto, Kral had proven to be a decent AHLer, but didn't quite have the skill set to make a successful jump to the NHL. Dubas may hope that Kral has matured and developed enough over the last year to be ready to make the jump in 2024-25. If not, at least Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will have another defenseman at their disposal.