Kyle Dubas is Out as Leaf GM/Shanahan Speaks
Photo From Maple Leaf Hot Stove
So, the
closing of my latest article where I suggested that Kyle Dubas will stay on as
GM with the team’s latest signing, throw that out the window because just
before the noon hour the Leafs announced that Kyle Dubas would not return as
the teams General Manager and then 15 minutes later the Toronto Marlies who had
their season end after being swept by the Rochester Americans, they released a
statement announcing they would not be renewing the contracts for their entire
coaching staff.
President
Brendan Shanahan is supposed to be speaking to the media at around 3 pm this
afternoon and I will likely update this article with my thoughts on what
answers we receive. For now, though with this announcement, our next question
is undoubtedly what happens now? The NHL Entry Draft is at the end of June next
month, and then free agency opens on July 1st. Auston Matthews is due for a contract
extension on that day, and we all know about his positive relationship with the
now former General Manager. Will this change his mind about staying in Toronto?
If it does then there’s no question the
Leafs, and whoever is calling the shots will have to be moved at the draft.
Auston will likely sit down with the Leafs and wonder what direction the team
may be going in.
A few
names have been tossed around as possible replacements for the Leafs and they
are Brad Treliving who was removed as Calgary’s GM. Fans after watching their Leafs be eliminated
by Florida instantly wanted changes to the core, Well Treliving could be the
guy that Toronto would need if that’s the direction that management wants to go.
Brad pulled off the Tkachuk for Huberdeau trade last July and it worked out for
Calgary and Florida. Another name mentioned as a possible GM is Mark Hunter who
would be returning to the Leafs organization. Mark was once in the running for
the GM job in Toronto but went back to the London Knights after Kyle was given
the keys to the operation. Hunter has had numerous years of success with the
London Knights and has connections with both Mitch Marner and John Tavares.
Keep an
eye on this article because I will add to it after Shanahan’s press conference.
Buckle up Leaf fans.
*Update*
As
everyone who follows this blog knows I am a fan of Kyle and his job as Leafs GM.
Did I like every single trade or signing that Kyle made? No, but overall, I was
a fan of his job done here in Toronto but Monday during his press conference
when Kyle said he would talk to his family about returning. It sounds like that
was simply a tactic used by Kyle. Brendan said that there was an offer given to
Kyle after the trade deadline, but Kyle said I’ll come back but I want more
money. First of all, you don’t publicly say I don’t know if I want to return as
GM. If that is what you’re feeling then fine, but you have that conversation
behind closed doors with your employer. Of course, if you are the General
Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs there’s all kinds of pressure and the job
isn’t for everyone, but you can’t negotiate publicly with any team let alone
the Toronto Maple Leafs. There have been all kinds of speculation that many
teams will be calling Kyle and offering him a job well now we will see because every
team will be aware of your comments made on Monday and every team will be aware
of your negotiating tactic that backfired on Kyle.
Brendan
Shanahan was asked what he would be looking for in the next General Manager for
the Toronto Maple Leafs and his answer was he would like an experienced person
as GM. To me that puts his focus on Brad Treliving but one thing’s for sure
Leaf land is going to be interesting all summer long.
thanks for reading as always.
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