Toronto Maple Leafs: A Blockbuster Trade Everyone Missed Part 1
On May 11, 2018, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a blockbuster trade
First of all, hear me out. On May 11, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a gigantic blockbuster trade with themselves.
As president of hockey operations, Brendan Shanahan does the heavy lifting. By promoting wonder-kid Kyle Dubas to General Manager, he traded Lamoriello and Hunter for Kyle Dubas and future considerations.
While this move is not surprising, those close to the day-to-day workings of the team expected nothing else. Response from the media is mixed.
Many feel Brendan Shanahan made the wrong choice in selecting the youngest of the three candidates.
While the list of reasons for the Maple Leafs apparent mistake is extensive, to sum it up, by promoting Kyle Dubas, the Leafs lose the experience of Lou Lamoriello and Mark Hunter.
That is the point of this trade
I for one believe the Leafs made the right move. The next logical step in the bright future for the Maple Leafs organization. Above all, it is the result of a four-year plan. It appears like it led, to a certain free agent making a franchise-altering choice.
Shanahan has followed his plan throughout the ups and downs. While a last-place finish in 2015-16 led to drafting Auston Matthews, the team did have some currency in the coffers. Due to their poor play, the Leafs drafted Nazem Kadri 2009, Morgan Reilly 2012, William Nylander 2014, and Mitch Marner 2015 with top ten selections. After watching the Nonis led disaster of the 2014-15 season and not panic, Brendan Shanahan displayed patience while adding important pieces to the organization. Shanahan hired Mark Hunter and Kyle Dubas in 2014 and Lou Lamoriello in 2015.
A quick look through my eyes, at the Toronto Maple Leafs internal candidates for GM.
Lou Lamoriello, General Manager, Cap hit $3,000,000
The Toronto Maple Leafs trade their GM to the NY Islander for future considerations. I respect Lou Lamoriello. Furthermore, his success is voluminous, like an encyclopedia dedicated to winning. In 1998, he was hired to resuscitate the NJ Devils who had floundered since relocating from Colorado. Because of Lamoriello’s hiring, the Devils soared. Qualifying for the playoffs twenty-one of twenty-four seasons with him as GM. Five Stanley Cup finals appearances but most noteworthy, three Cup championships. Success with a capital S.
Criticism rains down over Lamoriello’s silly rules and certainly some is warranted. Get a haircut and shave? Big deal. Certainly, at the time of his signing, the Leafs needed structure, discipline and a complete reset. Someone to fix the mess left by Brian Burke and Dave Nonis. Certainly, his dislike of high numbers is controversial but if you want Lou, you take the package.
Lou Lamoriello, positives and negatives
First of all, there have been some great moves. He traded for a number one goalie, Freddy Andersen. The trading of Dion Phaneuf’s contract with no salary retention was a coup. Even more, he created a winning culture. For a team mired in mediocrity for decades, I call that a win.
While the past three years has been smooth sailing, there have been some bumps. Nikita Zaitsev’s contract. Matt Martin’s signing. Ron Hainsey as an upgrade at defence. Wasted second-round draft picks and prospects for Brian Boyle and Thomas Plekanec. Allowing the Avalanche to interview Kyle Dubas. While making a few mistakes along the way, he didn’t steer the ship onto a reef.
Promoted to Senior Advisor per the terms of his contract, Lou Lamoriello is restless. He has never been someone who takes the backseat.
Mark Hunter, Assistant General Manager, Director of Player Personnel, Cap hit $unknown
Free Agent Mark Hunter 51, played for five teams during his NHL career encompassing thirteen seasons and 628 games. Upon his retirement from the NHL, he coached seven seasons. Six in the OHL plus one at the AHL level with the St. Johns Maple Leafs. In May 2000, Mark and Dale Hunter bought the London Knights. Mark Hunter has been the Knights GM until his hiring by the Leafs. Due to the success of the London Knights franchise, he built a reputation as a marquee talent evaluator, scout and smart hockey insider.
Many in the media feel due to his age and reputation, he has an inside track as the favourite to succeed Lou Lamoriello. Furthermore, the main question being asked is will Hunter stay with the team should he be passed over for the GM’s position.
Mark Hunter, a man of many hats
Brendan Shanahan hired Mark Hunter October 21, 2014. The man responsible for player evaluations and running the draft to helping recruit Mike Babcock, Mark Hunter wore many hats for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Much of what Mark Hunter did for the team occurred behind closed doors. Well respected throughout the hockey world, his hirings to augment the scouting department are well documented. Responsible for the teams professional and amateur scouting, Hunter brought former Knights scouts Tony Martino and Lindsay Hofford on board which ranks among his best moves.
Next: Leafs 2017 Defensive Grades
While one of Hunter’s draft picks is already paying dividends for the Leafs, it may take years before his draft success or lack thereof will be fully known. Finally, let us hope Keaton Middleton and Nicolas Mattinen and Vladimir Bobylyov are not a reflection on the remainder of his draft picks.
Stay tuned for Toronto Maple Leafs: A Blockbuster Trade Everyone Missed Part Two. The fallout.
Stats: hockeydb.com