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4 Things We’ve Learned From Toronto Maple Leafs 2022-23 Season

By Stephen Nixon

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs congratulates teammate Ilya Samsonov #35 on victory against the Washington Capitals in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 13, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Capitals 3-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs congratulates teammate Ilya Samsonov #35 on victory against the Washington Capitals in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 13, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Capitals 3-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 08: Toronto Maple Leafs General manager Kyle Dubas attends the 2022 NHL Draft at the Bell Centre on July 08, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Kyle Dubas is an Elite General Manager

Say what you want about Kyle Dubas’ inability to win in the playoffs, but that onus has to go on the players. I know he’s the one who put those players together, but his work has been brilliant, despite the lack of playoff success.

Throughout his tenure as GM, he’s put together a regular season juggernaut. By February every year, it feels like the Leafs have practically locked up a playoff spot and this season was no different. However, Dubas’ ability to change his philosophy is why he’s an elite manager.

At this year’s NHL Trade Deadline, the Leafs could have stayed put, or at least, only made one big splash. Instead, they not only acquired Ryan O’Reilly, but added Sam Lafferty, Jake McCabe, Noel Acciari, Luke Schenn and Erik Gustafsson. Dubas made a valiant effort to add leadership and toughness, which are obviously two big components to winning playoff games.

Not only will those moves hopefully translate into playoff wins, but his ability to sign Calle Jarnkrok, Mark Giordano and Ilya Samsonov over the offseason have been steals. Jarnkrok is on-pace for 20 goals, Giordano has been the Leafs most consistent defenseman and Samsonov will probably start Game 1 of the playoffs.

For a combined $4.7M, you can’t really find better talent than that at that price, so Dubas deserves a ton of credit once again.

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